This is a great soup option for a cool autumn weekend.  Preparing in the crock-pot allows all the flavors to really come together in this delicious dish.

Ingredients:
1 lb. – Sweet Italian turkey sausage
1 bunch Lacinato Kale (also know as Tuscan or Dinosaur Kale) – Inner stem removed. 2-2.5 cups chopped
1 medium white onion chopped – about 1.5 cups
1 green bell pepper chopped – about 1.5 cups
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup crushed canned tomatoes
32 oz. chicken broth/stock
2 cups small white beans (dry, follow instructions on package to hydrate)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Serving size: 4-6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours

Directions:
In a saute pan, heat a little olive oil and add sausage.  Sear 2-3 minutes per side and remove from heat.  Cut into 1/4-1/2 inch pieces and add to crock pot.

Add remaining ingredients to crock-pot.  Make sure the beans are prepared in advance according to package (do not add dry beans.)  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.  Serve.

When serving you can give your guests the option of adding their own red pepper flakes.

Sweet Turkey Sausage with Small White Beans and Lacinato Kale Soup