Spicy Kale and Andouille Sausage Chowder

This is a take on the typical kale and sausage chowder.  I thought it was tasty, simple and loved that you could freeze the uneaten part for another meal.  The four of us only ate about half of what this made.  You did need some sort of bread with it and I made some savory garlic muffins. 

Spicy Kale and Andouille Sausage Chowder
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 pound andouille sausages, sliced 1/4 inch thick
One 28-ounce can Italian plum tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved
3 quarts  low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 pound kale, large stems and ribs discarded, leaves coarsely chopped (8 cups)
Salt and freshly ground pepper 

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the garlic and onions and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 12 minutes. Add the ginger and andouille and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and their juices; bring to a boil. Add the stock and kale; return to a boil.

Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer the soup until the kale is tender, about 10 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper and serve, or let cool and freeze.