Creamy White Bean and Kale Sausage Soup

Ingredients

Homemade Sausage Seasoning for Ground Pork 

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (lightly crushed)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon Ballerina Farm Black Pepper and & French Salt blend 

 Soup 

• 1 lb Ballerina Farm ground pork
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 ribs of celery, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans drained and rinsed (butter beans, great northern, cannellini) 
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped 
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped (about 3-4 cups)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon - for the end 
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving 

Instructions 

1. Combine all spices for pork in a bowl.
   
2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and ground sausage. Add spices to the meat.
3. Break the sausage into crumbles and cook until browned- not fully cooked. Remove the sausage and set aside.
   
4. In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
   
5. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Add the oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
   
7. Stir in the white beans, kale, and zucchini. Let the kale wilt, for about 5 minutes. 
8. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
9. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. 

Tips 

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
• Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy, hearty soup!