Empty-the-Pantry Stew

This stew can be made from your pantry and freezer from ingredients that are easy to keep on hand, making it perfect for busy days--or lazy snow days!

7 ounces light turkey kielbasa (half a package)
1 small onion, about 3/4 cup, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) no salt added diced tomatoes, drained but juice reserved
1 quart chicken stock
4 red potatoes, quartered (about 2 cups)
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup carrots, shredded or chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 package Fresh Express Baby Kale Mix
2 dashes hot sauce

Place a dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat. Coat with nonstick cooking spray. Once the pan is warm, add the onions and sausage. Cook until the onions soften and the meat is browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside. (If some of the onions are removed with the meat, that is OK.)
Add the garlic and drained tomatoes to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomatoes start to dry out and a brown color appears on the bottom of the saucepan. Slowly add the stock and reserved tomato juice to the pan, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits (called fond). Add the potatoes to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, then add the beans, carrots, meat, and peppers. Cook five more minutes, then add the kale and simmer for three minutes, until the kale is wilted.
Season with hot sauce and serve warm.
Makes 8 servings (1 heaping cup)