Italian Sausage Soup with Kale and Beans

olive oil, divided

Italian sausage links, casings removed (you can also use Italian turkey sausage)

yellow onion, diced

large carrots, rinsed and sliced

celery stalks, rinsed and sliced

bay leaf

sprig fresh thyme

Italian Seasoning

garlic, minced

salt and pepper,

bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped

white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

to 8 cups low sodium, low fat beef or chicken broth

shredded parmesan cheese, optional

slices crusty baguette, optional