20 Minute Soup - Easy Kale Soup With Ham, Turkey Ham, or Sausage

A fellow Emergency Room Nurse gave me this recipe, it has become a staple. It's quick and easy (something I know I need for a recipe)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 12-16

Ingredients

• 1  diced onion
• 1  tablespoon instant minced garlic or 3  fresh garlic cloves, chopped
• 1⁄2 lb ham or 1⁄2 lb sausage or 1⁄2 lb kielbasa, diced
• 1  tablespoon  italian seasoning or 1  tablespoon  herbes de provence or 1  tablespoon mixed herbs
• 1⁄2 tablespoon  Old Bay Seasoning
• 1  dash salt
• 1  dash pepper
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 (16 ounce) cans white beans
• 4 (14 1/2ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1⁄2 lb kale
• 1⁄8 cup gruyere cheese (optional)
• 1  piece  French bread (optional)

Directions

1. In large sauce pot, combine onion, garlic, meat, spices. Use any spices you like, herbs de provence, old bay, italian seasoning -- etc.)
2. Heat until golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. (any white beans can be used, I use cannellini).
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Turn down heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add in as much kale as you wish, stir to ensure all kale is submersed into soup.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Serve with shredded guyere cheese on top or with fresh french bread.