Simple, Fresh, Delicious...

Homemade soup is the cure for all your troubles.  And if you don't have any troubles, it's still pretty darn good!

I've been making a lot of homemade soup lately.  For a couple of reasons.  

It's delicious and fresh and usually fairly simple.  It loads me up with veggies without really thinking about it.  It's pretty inexpensive and a little meat or seafood goes a long way.  My other half can eat and eat and eat...so if I make a ton of soup I can usually keep him pretty satisfied.

I picked up one of those lovely little Better Homes and Gardens specialty publications that cost a zillion dollars and are filled with only soup recipes.  Like I said, they're not cheap but I've been very impressed with the quantity of great recipes (and mostly non cream-based, which I prefer).  We've tried over 30 since getting the book (it has 180 recipes) and haven't been disappointed once!

Here's one of my faves, White Bean Soup with Sausage and Kale.  I just made a huge pot and it's simmering as we speak!

1 package spicy italian turkey sausage, cut into slices (recipe called for regular mild italian, I like to substitute)
1/4 cup water
1 Tb vegetable oil
1 medium chopped onion
1 Tb minced garlic (I keep the bottled minced garlic in the fridge)
2 15 oz cans white kidney beans
2 14 oz cans chicken broth
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with italian seasonings
4 cups coarsely chopped kale (or you can use spinach)
ground black pepper to tastle
fresh parmesan to sprinkle over soup

In a skillet, cook the sliced sausage in the water for 10 minutes until no longer pink.  Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large pot heat oil over medium heat.  Saute onion and garlic for 5 minutes until tender.  Add the beans, broth and undrained tomatoes.  Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes.  Add drained sausage, kale and black pepper.  Simmer, uncovered for 5 more minutes or until kale is wilted. 

Serve with parmesan and chunks of fresh bread.

Bon appetit!

Written with love, Lenore