Black Bean Soup with Hot Italian Sausage and Spinach

One of the hockey mom's made this soup for a skating party last year....it is so yummy and filling!  Thank you Fiona for this recipe.

Black Bean Soup with Hot Italian Sausage and Spinach

1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 lb hot Italian sausage cut into 1/2 " pieces
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 can (540 ml) tomatoes (un drained), chopped course
1 1/2 cups chicken stalk
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp chopped, drained, sun dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil)
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 bunch spinach, chopped course
salt and pepper

In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add sausages and saute for 5 minutes or until cooked.  Remove sausages and set aside.

Add onion and garlic to sauce pan, saute about 3 minutes or until tender.  Stir in tomatoes, stock, beans, sun dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and sausages;  bring to a boil.  Add spinach and cook for about 1 minute or until wilted.  Add salt and pepper to taste.