Bacon, Beans, Cabbage and Kale Soup

I've been sick and the Spring weather seems like it could use a little pick up too. I was supposed to work today, but the bad thunderstorms cancelled the only flight I was supposed to work. Instead I'm in the kitchen on a cloudy day with a sleepy Puppydog. I'd say there's no better time for soup.

Bacon, Beans, Cabbage and Kale Soup

1/4 head of cabbage, sliced into bite sized pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
1 head garlic, peeled and smashed
1 tbsp olive oil
4 large strips of bacon, sliced into bite sized pieces
1 small bunch kale, de-stemmed and torn
4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
1 can northern beans, drained and rinsed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a sheet pan add cabbage, onion, garlic and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cabbage starts to crisp up and garlic becomes fragrant.

In a large pot over medium heat, add bacon. Cook until fat is rendered and bacon begins to crisp. Remove bacon and add kale to bacon fat. Saute for just a minute, enough time to intensify the green color in the kale. Add cabbage mixture and saute in bacon fat for 3-5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Add beans and then reduce heat to simmer for 20-30 minutes. When ready to serve, top with crispy bacon.


This would also be really good with crushed red pepper or with ham. If I'm nice maybe I'll leave some for Boyfriend.

-Akemi-chan