Italian Sausage Soup with Kale and Beans

Ingredients (15)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, rinsed and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, rinsed and sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 2 cans white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 to 8 cups low sodium, low fat beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese, optional
• 8 slices crusty baguette, optional