Healthy Red and Green Christmas Soup

This soup is great to make at Christmas time not only because it's red and green, but because it's a nice light and healthy meal that's refreshing after so many heavy dishes!  The combination of white beans, kale, tomatoes, and sausage not only looks great but provides a great combo of flavors worthy of serving to any house guests. It's quick and easy to make too!

 Mmmm!

White Bean Soup with Sausage and Kale-a.k.a. 'Christmas Soup'

Makes: 5 servings

Start to Finish: 30 mins

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh mild Italian sausage links, sliced 1/2 inch thick

1/4 cup water

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

2   15 ounce can white kidney (cannellini) beans, rinsed and drained

2   14 ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1   14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained

4    cups coarsely chopped kale or spinach

Ground pepper

Directions:

Combine sliced sausage and water in a large skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink. Uncover and cook about 5 minutes more or until sausage is browned, stirring frequently. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook onion and garlic in hot oil in a large saucepan about 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in beans, broth, and undrained tomatoes. Cover and bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.

Stir in cooked sausage and kale or spinach. Simmer, uncovered, about 3 minutes more or until kale or spinach is

tender. Season to taste with pepper. Makes 5 servings.