Apparently this is a soup at Olive Garden that people rave about – however, I’ve never had it there. I saw a similar recipe online and then tweaked it to make it my own. And. I. Love. It.

Now, this is not the most waist-friendly soup, what with the cream, potatoes and spicy sausage. But I figure the kale makes up for all of that and I’m willing to risk it! One step, you must not, I repeat, NOT skip is using the homemade garlic broth. It doesn’t taste the same if you just add garlic (clove or paste). So don’t skip it. Seriously. I’m not kidding here.

Ingredients
lb Italian sausage (I like spicy sausage)
2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups kale or 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
16 ounces of homemade garlic broth broth (make a huge batch of this because you’re going to want to put it in EVERYTHING!)
1 quart water
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation
Chop or slice uncooked sausage into small pieces.
Brown sausage in your soup pot.
Add garlic broth and water to pot and stir.
Place onions, potatoes, and garlic in the pot.
Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Turn to low heat.
Add kale and cream.
Heat through and serve.

THE PERFECT BITE
When serving into bowls try to get a good meat, potato and kale ratio. I always seem to have nothing but kale and broth left in my bowl… and the best bite is a little bit of everything in your spoon!

THE PERFECT PAIRING
Did you know that there is such a thing as a super Tuscan wine? The most famous is called ‘Tignanello’ and was created by Antinori in 1971. It was the first super Tuscan wine and today Tignanello is a blend of 80% Sangiovese 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. They range anywhere from $15.00 to several hundred dollars. Ask your local wine seller if they can recommend one in your price range.

THE PERFECT HEALTH
So we already talked about the cream, potatoes and sausage not helping your waistline… so everything in moderation of course. But don’t forget that super food – kale! Wow super food and super wine in one meal! You’re on a roll… 🙂 Read more about the health benefits of kale HERE.