Greens, Beans and Turkey Bacon Soup

This recipe is derived from the original which comes from one of my favorite cookbooks and the creators of Cooking Light magazine- Fresh Food Fast-weeknight meals.   I have made a few adjustments from the original version in order to lighten in a little more and use fresh kale and onions.

Ingredients:

3 slices Turkey bacon, cut crosswise into ¼ inch pieces

3 cups of fresh chopped Kale

2 ¼ cups of water

1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14.5oz) can of 99% fat free chicken broth

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin

½ cup of mushrooms

1 ½ tsp. Olive oil, divided

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook bacon in a large sauce pan or Dutch oven over Med-high heat until crisp.  (Using turkey bacon I add a ½ tsp of olive oil in this.)

Once bacon is crisp, add the remaining olive oil and onions, garlic and mushrooms and cook until softened.  (Appx. 3 minutes)

Add chicken broth, water, beans, and kale along with a little salt and pepper. ( I use a lot of pepper)

Kale is high in beta carotine, vitamin C, and rich with calcium

Rinsing and Draining removes up to 50% sodium

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to simmer for 30 minutes.

It's quick, it's easy, and it’s even better the second day!  I make it a day in advance and use it for my lunches! 

This healthy and delicious soup is right at 200 calories per 1 2/3 cups servings.

Serve with a slice of toasted crusty bread!