INGREDIENTS
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1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage (about 3 links)
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2 Tbs. olive oil
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One-half small yellow onion, cut into small dice
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1 medium carrot, cut into small dice
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1 rib celery, cut into small dice
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5 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbs.)
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1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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6 cups lower-salt chicken broth
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1 lb. 3 oz. can cannellini or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained, or 2 cups cooked dried beans
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1 lb. kale, rinsed, stems removed, leaves torn into bite-size pieces (8 cups firmly packed)
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1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
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1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest (optional)