Kale, white bean & sausage soup

Photo from https://tuttorossotomatoes.com/

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound Italian style sausage, loose, or cut into pieces if in links

1 large onion, chopped

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 medium carrots, peeled and cut in to half/quarter moons, about 2 cups

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes, about 2 cups

1 14 oz. can white beans, or 2 cups cooked white beans 

1 28 oz. can tomato puree

4 cups water

1 bunch kale, cut into bite sized pieces 

1-2 dried bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried herbs- sage, thyme, oregano, basil, marjoram, etc.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

half a small dried red pepper or few pinches red pepper flakes, optional

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy bottom soup pot.  Add the sausage meat and cook until browned and fully cooked.  Remove from the pot and set aside.  Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same pot, and add the onion with a few pinches of salt, sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook one minute more. Add the carrots, potato, tomato puree, herbs, red pepper, salt and water.   Bring to a boil, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 mins. Add the kale and beans to the pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more, until the kale is tender. Return the cooked sausage meat to the pot and cook one minute more.  Remove from heat and add the grated cheese. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serves 6.