Sausage and kale stew

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and broken into pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 T tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 large russet potatoes, chopped
1 small bunch of kale, stems discarded and leaves torn, about 7 cups

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup olive oil

Combine the sausage, onion, tomatoes in their juices, tomato paste, garlic, 1 cup water, and 3/4 tsp of salt and pepper in slow cooker.  Nestle the potatoes in the liquid and top with the kale.

Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours on low or on high for 4-5 hours. Transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl. Add the milk, oil and 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper to the bowl and mash.

Serve the stew topped with the mashed potatoes. Drizzle with more olive oil, if desired.