INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp
olive oil
1 lb
mild Italian Sausage (casings removed)
4 oz
diced bacon
1
large onion (chopped)
6 cloves
garlic (minced)
1/2 cup
dry white wine (optional)
1 1/2 qt
low-sodium chicken broth
5
Russet potatoes (scrubbed, rinsed and sliced into 1/4-inch slices*)
1
cube beef bouillon (crushed)
1/2 tsp
salt
1/4 tsp
cracked black pepper
1 tsp
ground fennel
1 tsp
red chili flakes (optional — adjust to your taste)
1 1/2 cups
half and half or heavy/thickened cream
3 cups
chopped kale (hard stems removed (substitute with baby spinach leaves or Swiss chard))
Fresh shredded parmesan cheese (for serving)
1 tbsp
cornstarch (optional -- for a thicker soup) (SEE NOTES)