MM's Sausage and Kale Soup in the Crock Pot

This is a VERY "good for you" soup that I made yesterday for my peeps and me:

1 lb. hot Italian sausage (you can use turkey, chicken, or leave it out for a total veggie version)
3/4 bag of kale (Trader Joe's), stems removed
1/4 bag of baby spinach, stems removed
A handful of shredded red cabbage
1 qt. LOW sodium chicken stock
1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Walla Wall Sweet Onion, cut into thin strips
1/2 red pepper, diced
1 mini orange pepper, diced
1 mini yellow pepper, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 carrot, cut into rings
1 package of sliced white mushrooms
2 t. minced garlic
Marjoram - f
Oregano - f
Lemon Basil - f
Lemon Thyme - f
Lime Thyme - f
Bay leaf - f
Parsley - f
A couple of shakes of Herbs de Provence
A pinch of crystallized lemon
Lots of freshly ground pepper

Saute sausage until no longer pink. Drain well. Place all ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low 8 hours. I served this with a splash of cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice (the French way), and some freshly grated Parmesan. Had it with a buttery broiled slice of thick garlic bread from the Pizza Bank. YUMOLA.

f denotes herbs from my farm.

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile. But, sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy".

Carpe Diem!!!

Love,

MM