Hearty, spicy and flavorful -- a classic soup that just makes people happy.

Ingredients:
6 strips of bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup diced onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
4-6 cups water or chicken stock
6 cups kale, washed and cut up
8 ounces sausage (linguisa, chorizo or any hot spicy sausage) thinly sliced
1 large can kidney beans
4 cups finely chopped potatoes
salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce to taste

Procedure:
In large pot, cook bacon, garlic and onions over medium heat until bacon starts to crisp and onions are just tender. Add water or stock, kale, and sausage. Bring to boil and then reduce to a simmer. Continue to boil gently (covered) for 15 minutes. Add potatoes and kidney beans. Allow to cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in seasonings and simmer the soup for another 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe and photo: Caryn74