Butternut Squash, Kale and Bean Soup

I have to say I have never cooked with Butternut squash before,,,,this soup has changed that. My daughter just loved it and wants more of it in her life!! That being said this soup is a hearty bowl of goodness for you! You can conform this to what you have also,,,if you don't have kale use spinach or swiss chard,,,,you can also mix it up and use a can of garbanzos along with the white beans (I used cannellini),,,,Have fun with it and be creative if you like,,,here is what I did,,,,Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

2 Tablespoons oil
1 small onion (chopped)
1 lg. leek (chopped)
2 celery ribs (diced)
3 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 clove garlic (minced)

3 Cups Butternut squash (diced)
2 15 oz. cans cannellini beans
8 Cups chicken broth
1 can petite diced tomatoes
6 Kale leaves (de-ribbed and chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in large pan, add onion, leek and celery cook about 5 minutes, then add tomato paste
stir well ,,,,add squash and then garlic,,,,cook 5 minutes more,,,pour chicken broth in pan and simmer for 25-30 minutes,,,,then you can add beans and Kale and the spices and cook until squash is tender,,,taste and add more salt and pepper if needed