Portuguese Kale Soup

Step 1

Heat a deep soup pot set over medium heat. Add the schmaltz to render, then add the onions and cover to sweat until soft, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, then cover and sweat, without browning, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the sausage and sweat, covered, until the mixture turns amber in color, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the kale, pushing it down to get it all in the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally until the kale cooks down by half, is incorporated into the onion-sausage mix and is covered with schmaltz, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Add the Rich Chicken Broth, stir well, then cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 3

Meanwhile, cook the beans. Drain the beans and place in a medium pot. Cover with fresh cold water, then cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 4

Drain and add the beans to the soup. Add the potatoes to a medium pot set over medium-high heat and cover with cold water. Cook until almost cooked through (the potatoes will continue to cook after they're drained). Drain the potatoes then lay them out in single layer on a sheet tray and refrigerate to stop the cooking process.

Step 5

When cool add the potatoes to the soup, bring back to a simmer and add the hot sauce. Serve hot.

Step 6

Place the chickens in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover, about 2 gallons. Bring to a boil, skimming the scum as it surfaces.

Step 7

When all the scum is removed and the stock is boiling add the onions, celery, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, garlic, parsley and peppercorns. Bring back to a boil, lower the heat to a slow boil, then cover and simmer until the flavor develops, 4 to 6 hours.

Step 8

Cool the stock and refrigerate overnight allowing the flavors to marry.

Step 9

Remove the fat (schmaltz) from the top of the broth to use in the kale soup. Strain the broth and use as you please! Yield: 1 1/2 gallons