White Bean, Kale and Chicken Sausage Soup

This cold weather is killing me - I feel like the summer cannot come fast enough.  With this weather, I have been in the mood for soups and chili to keep me warm!  I love to make soup because: A. It makes a whole bunch B. You can make it really healthy and tasty, and C. It makes me feel really warm and fuzzy :)

Here is one that is super easy and healthy.  Try it out on the next super cold night, you will not be disappointed!

White Bean, Kale and Chicken Sausage Soup

Ingredients:
4 Chicken Sausage Links (I like the Al Fresco), cut into 1 inch bites
2 Yellow onions, sliced thin
1 Package of shredded carrots
2 Cans, White Beans, drained and rinsed
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 Head of Kale, rinsed, dried, and cut into small pieces
1 42 oz. Box of Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
12 oz. Water
1/2 t. Smoked Paprika
1/2 t. Cumin
Salt 
Pepper

Directions:
Heat a Dutch Oven over medium/high heat with just 1/4 cup of water.  Once the water is hot, add in the chicken sausage and brown (around 10 minutes).  After the chicken sausage is browned, add in the onion and season with salt and pepper.  Cook the onions for about 10 more minutes until they are soft. Add in garlic, cumin and paprika and cook for 2 more minutes.

Add in the broth, beans, carrots, and water and stir.  Cover and cook on low for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Add in the kale and cook covered for another 15 minutes.