SPANISH-STYLE WHITE BEAN, KALE & CHORIZO SOUP

By joanmarie

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound dried white beans, such as Great Northern, rinsed and picked over
• 8 1/2 cups chicken stock, (preferably homemade)
• 1 bay leaf, preferably Turkish
• Kosher salt
• Pinch saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Spanish chorizo sausages, about 3/4 pound, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 small bunch kale, about 3/4 pound, tough stems removed, washed well, and coarsely chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sherry vinegar, to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Place the beans in a large pot or soup kettle. Pour in 8 cups of the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bay leaf and a pinch of salt. Cook, partially covered, stirring often and adjusting the heat to keep it at a slow steady simmer, until the beans are tender, about 2 hours. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Soak the saffron in the remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate. Add the onion; reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the red pepper and the paprika. Cook for 2 minutes longer, then transfer the contents of the skillet to the bean pot. Stir in the saffron with the soaking liquid, the chorizo, and the kale. Bring back to a simmer and cook just until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the vinegar, and serve hot in warmed soup bowls.