Kale Is Healthy and Delicious

I have been buying kale by the bunch and generally saute it as a side dish but tonight I decided to make it the main course.  It turned out good and was a healthy one pot dish.

Kale & Chicken Sausage Soup

Kale and Chicken Sausage Soup

2 links (6 oz) mild Italian sausage (chicken or turkey) casings removed
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 bunch kale, chopped
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 32 oz carton chicken stock
1/2 cup quick barley (or 4 oz ditalini pasta)
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 15.5 oz can chickpeas or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

In a dutch oven, heat 1 Tbs olive oil over medium heat.  Add sausage, breaking it up, and cook until browned.  Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic and salt.  Cook 3-5 minutes or until onion is tender, careful not to burn garlic.  Add remaining ingredients except beans.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Add chickpeas or beans and cook 5-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.