Butternut Squash, Kale + White Bean Soup with Sausage

I love this soup for so many reasons . The fact that my boys love it after I've thrown tons of kale in there. The flavor of the sausage. The reality that you could omit the meat all together and make it vegetarian. The list could go on!

I made this soup tonight as part of my simple meal plan and really like making soups on a Monday. I think it helps ease us all into the week ahead and I love that I'll have a healthier lunch option for a day or two thanks to leftovers.

This soup was originally created by me for a local magazine I contribute to. Tonight I was able to use that base recipe and see how versatile it really is. I had a red pepper on hand, fresh thyme and sage so those went in tonight in place of dried herbs. I didn't measure out the kale when I made it, a few good hand fulls will do, but I did measure for you below for the sake of the rule follower.

I hope you make it- maybe for next week's soup Monday?! If you do be sure to tag me @lbsgoodspoon and let me know if you make it with #lbsgoodspoon as well. I'd love to see the soup at your table!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 lb Mild Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 red pepper, diced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 10 cups of vegetable broth

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 6-8 cups of butternut squash, cut into bite size pieces

• 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• 4 cups kale, trimmed and chopped

1. To make the soup first place olive oil in a large dutch oven or stock pot and sauté diced onion 3 minutes or until softened. Add in the diced pepper and then your sausage, breaking up the meat into small pieces.

2. Once the sausage is cooked add your seasonings and then your vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil and add in the salt.

3. At this point you’ll add in the butternut squash, checking it after 5-7 minutes. You don’t want the squash to get too soft! Once it’s tender add your beans and kale and stir everything to warm it.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy! We served ours tonight with salad + toast. Enjoy!