This soup first appeared in our 9/29/14 meal plan and it was so loved, we're bringing it back. Smarts: Feeling lazy? Sub baby spinach for the chard for less prep.
Heat oven to 425F / 218C. Toss broccoli with red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, cooking oil, and some salt and pepper. Spread out onto a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes, shaking once and rotating pan midway through.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then Italian sausage (removed from its casing) to heated oil. Saute until sausage is golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain any fat from the pot.
Add garlic, onions, chopped chard stems, and carrots to pot. Saute for ~3 minutes and then add in tomatoes, chicken stock, bay leaf, and oregano. Cover and bring to a boil. Add in mushrooms and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes.
Fold in chard leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes and then season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf before spooning into individual bowls and top with parsley.
Finish roasted broccoli with lemon juice and enjoy with soup!