Tuscan White Bean Soup

1 lb. hot Italian sausage

1 large onion, diced

4 ribs celery, diced

5-6 carrots, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups chicken broth

4 potatoes, diced

4 cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 bunch swiss chard

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook sausage, drain off most of the grease, add onion, celery, carrots and garlic.  Add 6 cups broth and diced potatoes and cook until potato is tender.  Puree 2 cans beans with 2 cups chicken broth. Add to soup along with the other 2 cans beans. Simmer 10 minutes then add the swiss chard, chopped and cook until the chard is wilted.

This is a spicy soup.  Can use mild sausage and add red pepper flakes to control the heat yourself.