Potato, Sausage and Kale Soup

Due to our hectic schedule we tend to not go out very often, because of this I try and create some of our restaurant favorites at home.  Over the weekend the vote was Potato, Sausage and Kale soup (aka Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscano soup).  Instead of using regular Italian sausage, I opted for turkey sausage.  Perfect dish for a Friday night at home with the family.  Indulge!

INGREDIENTS

1lb Italian sausage (I used hot turkey sausage)

5 medium Yukon potatoes (sliced in half circles)

1 large onion, chopped

5 slices of cooked bacon, chopped

5 cloves of garlic, minced

2 cups of kale, chopped

64 oz. of chicken broth (I used more than this, if it’s not enough liquid don’t be afraid to use more or less)

2 cups of heavy whipping cream

½ cup white wine

DIRECTIONS

Place soup pot over medium high heat and brown sausage.  Remove the cooked sausage once cooked and set aside.  Add the chopped onions and sauté until tender, about 5- 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute or so.  Add wine and deglaze the pan, making sure you are scraping up all of those yummy brown bits on the bottom of the pan.  Add the potatoes, sausage, bacon, kale, chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high heat and bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer medium-low.  Cover and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.  Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Indulge!