Hearty Sausage, Butternut Squash, Kale & White Bean Soup

Anyone else on a soup kick lately? There’s just something about this time of year that makes me crave a warm bowl of soup. And, surprisingly, it’s not the weather! I mean, it’s nearly 60 degrees today! That’s basically a heatwave for this time of year and somehow I’m still in the mood for soup. But I’m not in the mood for any old soup. I like ones that are thick and hearty and filled with all sorts of chunks, flavors, and textures, which is how this recipe came about.

It combines Italian ground sausage with butternut squash, kale, fennel, onions, sage, and white beans for the most delicious and satisfying soup ever. Seriously, it’s my new favorite! And, bonus, you make it in the crock-pot, so it couldn’t be easier. Set it and forget it. Definitely add this one to your must-make list!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
• 1/2 large butternut squash, peeled
• 1/2 bunch of kale
• 1/2 medium/large fennel bulb
• 1 medium onion
• 1 can (~15.5 ounces) white beans
• 5-7 fresh sage leaves
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 5 cups water

Directions:

Brown sausage in a pan on the stove top or in your crock-pot. (I have the Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System and it’s awesome. You can cook meat and veggies inside before you add everything else.)

Then, cut up the butternut squash, fennel, and onion into chunks.

Rinse and drain beans, chop kale, and then add spices, sage, and water to your crock pot. Cook on low heat for 4-ish hours.

Enjoy!

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