Kielbasa, Kale, Tortellini Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
12 -16 ounces smoked sausage, thinly sliced (kielbasa recommended)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium fennel bulb, chopped
4 -6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
12 cups chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans (or great northern or whatever)
1 bunch kale, destemmed and chopped
1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
grated parmesan cheese or asiago cheese, for garnish

Preparation

Heat oil, fry sausage until beginning to brown, add vegetables and saute until tender and translucent-15-20 minutes.
Add broth and bring to a boil, add beans and kale and simmer 15 minutes or so. Add tortellini to soup and simmer until pasta is tender (about 5 more minutes).
May serve topped with some freshly grated cheese.