I've never been a huge fan of southern style greens, though it's possible i've just never had good ones.  So i never buy kale, and haven't got a clue how to cook with it.  Turns out the first attempt to do something with it worked out well; this soup was tasty, hearty, and could easily make a meal.  Kale's texture works well here, making the soup seem more substantial.  The real star of this version was the bacon, though - rich, meaty, incredibly smoky chopped bacon ends from Don & Joe's.

 

2 ounces bacon, diced

a 14 oz can of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed

a bunch of kale, washed thoroughly and chopped roughly into bite size pieces

half an onion, in large dice

a quart of chicken stock

two cloves garlic, minced

a splash of white wine (optional)

 

Heat a pot and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.  Saute the bacon until crisp, and turn down the heat.  Saute the garlic and onions until soft, then deglaze with the wine, if you're using it.  Add stock and beans, bring to a boil, and cook 10-15 minutes.  Add the kale, cook for an additional 3 minutes or so, and serve.  If you feel like grating some parmesan over it, making croutons, or adding another splash of good olive oil, all the better.