Minestra Spezzata with Italian Sausage and Kale

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped kale to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the Minestra Spezzata hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Italian sausage — If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage as a healthier alternative.
• Kale — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the kale leaves. Massaging the kale with a bit of olive oil before adding it to the soup can help tenderize it.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier soup, you can add cooked pasta or beans to the Minestra Spezzata.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Minestra Spezzata in warm bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top of the soup before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish.