Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

photo credit: http://www.familybalancesheet.org/2011/11/italian-sausage-white-bean-and-kale-soup.html

1 pound raw, spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings and chopped (Whole Foods makes a good one)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion

2 stalks each carrots and celery

32 oz beef broth

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (14.5 ounce) can white beans (great northern or cannellini)

2 cups kale, rinsed, chopped, and packed

1/2 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

In a stockpot or Dutch oven, brown sausage.  Add garlic, onion, carrots, and celery and saute until softened. Stir in broth and tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.

Stir in beans and kale. Cover and simmer another 15 minutes.