cheese tortellini soup with cannellini, kale + kielbasa

I've had this recipe in my binder for what seems like forever (okay, since 2002 -- but that is a really long time)! I have no idea why I waited so long to make it, because it's so simply delicious and so easy too! The recipe is originally from Bon Appetit, but I changed a few things here and there, so here's the recipe below the way I made it.

Cheese Tortellini Soup with Cannellini Beans, Kale + Kielbasa

Serves 6

2 T. olive oil

12 oz. fully cooked smoked turkey kielbasa, thinly sliced

1 onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 T. dried thyme

1/2 t. dried crushed red pepper flakes

2 boxes low-salt chicken stock

4 c. kale (roughly 1/2 bunch), chopped

1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed, drained (chick peas would be delicious too!)

1 9-oz. package cheese tortellini

Asiago or Parmesan Reggiano, grated (for topping the soup)

Directions:

Heat oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add next 5 ingredients and saute until onions are soft and kielbasa is slightly brown, about 12 minutes. Add broth and bring to boil. Stir in kale and beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer until kale is wilted, about 4 minutes. Add tortellini to soup. Simmer until pasta is just tender but still firm to bite, about 7 minutes and/or (follow tortellini directions on package). Ladle into bowl. Serve, passing cheese separately to top the soup. Enjoy!

A few days later I was in the baking bread kinda mood so, I made some Onion Focaccia bread and I added some Herbs of Provence on top and that really made it a great meal! If you click the links, it will take to the Williams-Sonoma site where you'll be able to print the bread recipe and if you wish you'll be able to purchase my favorite Herbs of Provence. I've tried other brands, but I like this one the best. It's a nice blend. Wait until you see the little jar that it comes in! It's too cute and you can buy refills of the herbs instead of having to keep replacing the jar! That's for all of you little "green bees" out there! :o)