Beans and Greens Soup

Beans and Greens Soup 

Easy, fast, wholesome.  I got this recipe from Tona Hangen - 2007 - it is terrific!  I usually double it.

Single recipe (serves 4):

1 can chicken broth
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 links sweet Italian sausage*
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
dash of oregano, thyme, black pepper
1/3 C uncooked alphabet pasta
1 can drained/rinsed cannellini beans
4 oz bag of baby spinach or baby kale (I usually use spinach)
1/4 C grated parmesan cheese

1.  Saute onion, garlic, spices, sausage in Dutch Oven in a little olive oil.
2.  Add broth, tomotoes, and 1 can water.  Bring to a boil.
3.   Add pasta and cook until pasta is al dente.
4.   Add beans, seasonings, and then spinach.  Takes just a few minutes to wilt the spinach.
5.  Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with the parm.  Great with crusty bread - yum!

(*I use the Al Fresca precooked chicken sausage.  Quarter each link length wise, then dice)

BIG BATCH:
1 box broth
1 large can tomatoes
whole package (4 links) sausage - cut lengthwise into quarters, then dice
3 cloves garlic
1 large onion
seasonings...
2/3 C pasta
2 cans beans or one large can
8 oz spinach

lots of parm

Variation:  To make the soup even heartier, skip the pasta and parm, but add a package of fresh cheese tortelli - so good!!!