Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 yellow or white onion, chopped
• olive or canola oil, as needed
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (red or orange)
• 5 – 6 Yukon gold potatoes, chopped (yields about 3 – 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (3 -4 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (+more if needed)
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock/broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup heavy cream