Lisa's Italian Soup

(based on very special Aunt Carolyn Dixon's soup recipe)

1 lb ground Mild Italian Sausage

1 bunch of collard greens (or kale; I prefer Kale)

2 large carrots

2-4 cloves of crushed garlic

1-15 oz can navy beans

1-15 oz can chopped tomatoes

32 oz box of chicken broth

About 1 ½-2 cups cooked pasta (like mini penne)

Olive oil

Parmesan cheese (shredded) plus a Parmesan cheese wedge rind

Cook the pasta in water in a separate pot.  Then drain and have ready to add to the soup.

Chop the carrots and the collard greens.  Cut the green in ½” ribbons and then cut those in half … so they are shorter.

Put 2-3 TBS olive oil into a pot and brown sausage.  When done, add garlic and stir for a minute.  Then add carrots and greens and sauté until greens are wilted – about 2 minutes.

Add the beans, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese rind, and chicken broth.  Let simmer for 5 minutes or so.  Turn off heat, add cooked drained pasta, let soup rest for 5-10 minutes.

It comes together very fast.  Pour soup into bowls with a healthy pinch of shredded Parmesan cheese on top.  Serve with fresh crusty bread.