with Kale & Carrot

Yield: 2

Meaty Italian chicken sausage, kale, and carrot are simmered together in a rich, gently creamy chicken stock, and then cannellini beans are stirred in for even more hearty flavor.
Prep: 5 Cook: 20

• 3oz carrot
• 1lemon
• 4oz cream sauce base
• 4oz kale
• 8oz cannellini beans
• 9oz Italian chicken sausage mix
• 1TBS cornstarch
• 2oz chicken stock concentrates
• salt & pepper
• 1tsp cooking oil

Prep:

Wash and dry produce.

Trim, peel, and halve carrot lengthwise, thinly slice crosswise into half-moons. Remove and discard any large stems from kale, chop into bite-size pieces. Drain and rinse beans. Quarter lemon.

Cook sausage & veggies:

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, using a spatula, press into an even layer. Cook, undisturbed, until browned on bottom, 2- to 3-minutes.

Break up meat into pieces, then add carrot, kale, and ½ tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage is cooked through, carrot is slightly softened, and kale begins to wilt, 3- to 4-minutes.

Cook soup:

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1 TBS water until mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.

Tip: Mix with your finger to ensure there are no lumps!

Stir stock concentrates, cornstarch mixture, half the beans, and 1½ cups water into pot with sausage and veggies. Using the back of a wooden spoon or spatula, partially mash beans in pot.

Cover and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer. Cook until kale is wilted and broth has thickened slightly, 3- to 5-minutes.

Tip: Check if the kale is wilting evenly and stir occasionally if necessary.

Stir in cream sauce base, remaining beans, and a big squeeze of lemon juice. Cook until combined and warmed through, 1- to 2-minutes.

Tip: Add another splash of water if you prefer a thinner broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Divide soup between bowls. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.