White Bean, Sausage and Kale Soup

3/4 - 1 lb lean sausage
3-4 carrots, chopped
3-4 celery stalks, chopped
1 large sweet onion, chopped
3-4 cups kale, chopped
2 cans white beans
2 boxes fat free chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan
4-5 springs of fresh thyme (can substitute dried)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Dried basil and oregano (approx 1 tsp each to taste)
Salt, pepper to taste

1. Saute sausage until cooked, drain on paper towels.
2. Add olive oil and crushed pepper flakes to large soup pot, when warm add chopped carrots, celery, onion, thyme, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Saute approximately 10 minutes, add minced garlic and tomato paste, continue to saute a few minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, bring to a low boil, add sausage and kale, simmer approximately 30 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese (reserve some to sprinkle on top).
4. Serve!