Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

The weather in Memphis can change quickly, clear and 80 degrees one day, rainy and 35 degrees the next.  Sometimes you need to a warm hearty soup in a hurry.  Here it is, inspired by the Tuscan soup at Olive Garden (my daughter’s favorite restaurant).  However, you can make this soup at home, eat it, and wash the dishes faster than you can get a table at OG.

Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

Total time:  25 minutes

Serves 6 to 8

1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings

5 1/2 cups chicken stock

2 or 3 medium potatoes, pealed and diced

1 bunch kale, thoroughly washed and stems removed, ruff chopped

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

½ cup heavy cream

Brown sausage in a 6 quart heavy pot, breaking up large chunks.  Add all other ingredients, except cream.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.  Continue to simmer until potatoes a kale are soft, about 10 minutes.  Add cream and simmer a few minutes more.  Serve