Quick Sausage Kale Soup

Rachael Ray hit a sweet note with millions when she proved that it only takes 30 minutes to get a healthy, delicious meal on the table.  Being a working mom forced me to find great ideas for quick meals.  Eating out often is way too expensive and unhealthy, and I'm convinced that a great meal doesn't take long to make.  So here's a great example of a quick and wonderful meal.  It's another one of my favorite soups:

3-4 garlic cloves, minced
olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, hot or sweet
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup of finely chopped cabbage
1 quart chicken stock plus some water
1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
1 bunch of kale, rinsed and chopped loosely
1 can beans, garbanzo, white (your choice)

In a heavy-bottomed large pot brown the garlic in  2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add the chopped sausage and brown it over medium high heat.  If you get sausage in the casing, just cut it away if you want chunks, or slice the sausage into the size you want in the soup.

When the meat is browned add the onion, carrots, celery and cabbage.  Let the veggies heat through for 5 minutes, then add the chicken stock, tomatoes (if you want) and the kale.  If you need more liquid add 1-2 cups of water.  The kale will wilt and reduce in size once it cooks.  Let the kale simmer for 10 minutes in the broth.  Add the beans, salt and pepper to taste, cook for 5-10 more minutes and it's done!

I like to serve this with pastina or rice.  Sometimes I cook lentils to add to this soup.  You really could add any vegetable you like.  Kale is a "super food" and is loaded with vitamins A & C, along with other nutrients.  I hope you enjoy this one, I sure do!

What are some of your favorite quick soups?  Please let me know.