Sausage, Kale, Potato Soup

This is my 10-year-old daughter Sierra’s favorite soup. I’m not quite sure why she’ll eat onions and kale when they’re in this soup and not any others, but hey, I’ll take it!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, bulk or sliced if in casings)

• 1 Old Dog leek and/or onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves Old Dog garlic, chopped

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 3–4 Old Dog potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)

• 1 bunch Old Dog kale, stems removed, chopped or torn

• Juice from ½–1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional toppers: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Brown sausage in a soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add onions and/or leeks and garlic. Cook until translucent (3-5 minutes).

3. Add broth, potatoes, and thyme. Simmer until the potatoes are soft.

4. Stir in the kale and simmer for 3-5 minutes until tender and bright green.

5. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and/or red pepper flakes.