Smoked Sausage, Kale & Sweet Potato Soup

Quick, easy, delicious.  That is really what I should make my motto of this blog, although “healthy” has to fit in there somewhere and I’m not sure how.

I’ve hurt my back, again.  Two weeks ago I couldn’t turn my head to the right.  I blame that time on my awesome kettle bell class (that was awesome that day, just not that night).  A fantastic but painful deep tissue massage and I was back.  Then came two weekends of flying, sleeping in amazing but ‘strange’ beds and a lack of “normal” exercise and boom, I’m walking like I should be moving into the retirement home with my grandparents.

I really think this is just sympathy pain for my BFF.  She had back pain from a strength training class then was running a marathon.  I really don’t have any excuse.  So, we’ll call it sympathy and a need to get in better core shape.

This is the perfect soup for a quick weeknight dinner or a cold breezy day.  It is easy to make, travels well for work and reheats wonderfully! And could be made vegetarian by substituting pinto or canilini beans for the smoked sausage.

Smoked Sausage, Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 c quartered smoked sausage
1 medium sized sweet potato, diced
1 small bunch of kale, large stems removed, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cajun seasoning
1/2 -1 tsp black pepper
32 oz low-sodium vegetable stock
salt to taste

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the sweet potatoes and brown them on all sides, stirring every few minutes to make sure they don’t burn (about 2-3 minutes for the whole process).  Add the onion powder and minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.  Add the stock and bring to a boil.  Once it is at a boil, reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are softened.  Add the sausage, kale, cajun seasoning, and black pepper.  Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes or until the sausage is heated through (it is pre-cooked) and the kale is wilted.  Taste and add salt as needed.