Bacon, Bean and Kale Soup

With the weather getting cooler and boatloads of kale coming out of the garden, it's a great time to make some soup. This soup is awesome for three reasons. It has a pound of bacon in it, it uses lots of kale, an amazing super food, and HELLO. It has a POUND of bacon in it!

Bacon, Bean and Kale Soup

1 pound of bacon, chopped

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 quarts of chicken broth

6 cups chopped kale, about half a pound

2-15 ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed

2-3 Parmesan cheese rinds

Salt and pepper flakes to taste

Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

In a large pot cook the bacon, over medium heat, until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to drain. 

Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease. Cook garlic in bacon grease until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in chicken broth and add cheese rinds. Bring to a boil and add kale. Simmer for 20 minutes until kale is tender. Add in cooked bacon and beans. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Remove cheese rinds and season with salt and pepper flakes to taste.

Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.