Hearty Portuguese Kale Soup

I made this soup during my Dad's last visit. I am half Portuguese on my father's side, but by the time I was born, my Nana had long ago hung up her apron and her desire to cook. This was the first time I had made or tried this rich and hearty meal. Blue and I loved it, but for my dad, it was really a treat. He said it was every bit as good as the one he remembered from his childhood visits to Rhode Island. I served it with crusty buttered rolls and Portuguese Sweet Rice. The entire meal was a hit of epic proportions.

Hearty Portuguese Kale Soup

This is a very flavorful soup that is a comfort food for my family. The recipe was given to me by my Portuguese mil over 30 yrs ago. Her mother had passed it on to her. This soup is easily stretched to make more servings. The Chorizo gives the broth a good base for adding another can of beans or more pasta or a little water. Soul warming for a cold night, serve with a warm crusty bread. A great next day soup. Freezes well.
by Bitsie

6 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb chorizo sausage (fresh not dried)
1 quart chicken broth
1 large onion, roughly diced
4 large potatoes, cubed
1 bunch kale, stemmed washed & chopped (about. 1 lb.)
1 1/2 cups ditalini
1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans
fresh ground black pepper
salt (optional)

1. Remove casing from sausage and cut into smaller than bit sized pieces.
2. Heat oil in a heavy soup pot; saute the sausage& onion just until the fat is rendered, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Drain on paper towels.
4. Add other ingredients except kale,& pasta.
5. Bring to boil and simmer 10 minutes.
6. Add kale, and pasta and simmer about 8 minutes until both are tender.
7. Taste for seasoning- depending on how spicy your sausage is, add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve piping hot.

The original link to this recipe may be found here:
http://www.recipezaar.com/82886