Turkey Sausage Kale and Tortellini Soup

While the weather is finally warming up a bit, I'm still enjoying some of the hearty, comforting meals of winter.  This Turkey Sausage Kale and Tortellini Soup is a quick, effortless pot of warmth and spice, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.  It's fairly healthy and light, but full of flavor.  Serve it with some garlicky breadsticks or a little crusty bread for dipping and you'll be happy to embrace the last few cool days before spring and summer emerge full-force.

Turkey Sausage Kale and Tortellini Soup
via A Dash of Cinnamon
serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. Italian turkey sausage, casings removed*
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups kale, roughly chopped
12 oz. fresh cheese tortellini

Heat a stock pot to medium high and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add the turkey sausage and cook until browned, about 7 minutes.

Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent, an additional 4-5 minutes.

Add the thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Cook for one more minute.

Add the stock and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, add the kale and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.

Add the tortellini and cook for 5 minutes, or as indicated on the package.

Adjust seasonings to taste, then serve.

*In a pinch, when I couldn't find Italian turkey sausage at the store, I've also used lean ground turkey breast instead and just added in a few additional spices (namely a little fennel and Italian seasoning), and it turned out delicious.  Use whichever you can find or whichever you prefer.