Meaty Kale Soup

Meaty Kale Soup Recipe with Beef Shanks, Pork Hocks, and Sausage

Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meaty Kale Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

History

Meaty Kale Soup has its origins in traditional European cuisine, where hearty soups made with meat and vegetables were a staple in many households. The addition of kale to the soup adds a nutritious and flavorful twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

a large soup pan
2 large beef shanks
2 pork hocks
1 piece of your favorite sausage
a ladleful of beef stock powder or 4 cubes of beef stock
1 cup of beef stock liquid
1 envelope of potato soup mix or 4 potatoes that have been previously mashed
1 bunch of washed kale cut up into small pieces
1 tsp of baking soda
2 cans of baked beans in tomato sauce
1 cup of your favorite pasta

How to prepare

Boil all the meats together for at least one hour.
Skim off fat as it rises to the surface.
Add water as needed.
After one hour, remove the meat and let it sit until it can be easily handled without burning.
While the meat is sitting, add the following ingredients: a ladleful of beef stock powder or 4 cubes of beef stock, 1 cup of beef stock liquid.
You can add vegetables at this moment like carrots if you like.
Cut the carrots into small pieces.
Add 1 envelope of potato soup mix or 4 previously mashed potatoes.
You can even use leftover mashed potatoes.
Again, add water as needed.
You do not need to add salt, as the beef broth already has salt in it.
You can add pepper for a little zip.
You should have a deep brown stock with a slightly thick consistency.
Remove the meat you set aside from the bones and cut into bite-size pieces.
Leave the skin on the pork hocks as it adds flavor.
Add the meat back to the stock and then add the following: 1 bunch of washed kale cut up into small pieces, 1 tsp of baking soda.
The baking soda helps the kale to stay green instead of turning black in the liquid.
Add 2 cans of baked beans in tomato sauce and 1 cup of your favorite pasta.
Cook until the kale is wilted and the pasta is cooked (follow package directions for cooking time).
The whole cooking time could take about 2 hours for the soup to be ready.

Variations

Swap out the beef shanks and pork hocks for chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the soup.
Add in additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any fat that rises to the surface of the soup while it is cooking to ensure a rich and flavorful broth.

- Adding baking soda to the soup helps the kale retain its vibrant green color.

- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or protein sources to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meaty Kale Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Meaty Kale Soup is to simmer the meats for a long period of time to develop a rich and flavorful broth. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite meats, vegetables, or pasta shapes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Meaty Kale Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Meaty Kale Soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meaty Kale Soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Meaty Kale Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meaty Kale Soup contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meaty Kale Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meaty Kale Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meaty Kale Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meaty Kale Soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain allergens from the sausage used. Be sure to check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Meaty Kale Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meaty Kale Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Meaty Kale Soup. It was a cold and rainy day, much like today, back in the spring of 1965. I was walking through the bustling streets of New York City, weaving my way through the crowds of people and the delicious aromas wafting out of the nearby restaurants.

As I passed by a little café on the corner, I caught a whiff of something heavenly. The scent of rich broth and savory meat filled my nostrils, making my mouth water. I couldn't resist the temptation, so I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The cozy little café was bustling with activity, the sound of clinking dishes and cheerful chatter filling the air. I found a table near the window and settled in, eager to try whatever dish had lured me in. The waiter came over, a friendly smile on his face, and handed me a menu.

I scanned the list of dishes, my eyes lingering on the words "Meaty Kale Soup." Intrigued, I ordered a bowl and waited eagerly for it to arrive. When it finally did, I took my first spoonful and was transported to a world of flavor and warmth.

The soup was a perfect blend of tender meat, hearty kale, and flavorful broth. It was comforting and satisfying, the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. I savored every bite, my taste buds dancing with delight.

As I finished my meal, I knew that I had to learn how to make this soup myself. I asked the waiter for the recipe, but he shook his head with a laugh. "Sorry, ma'am, that's a secret family recipe," he said. Disappointed but undeterred, I made it my mission to recreate the soup at home.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with different ingredients and flavors, trying to capture the essence of that delicious soup. I visited the local market, picking out the freshest kale and the most tender cuts of meat. I spent hours in the kitchen, chopping, simmering, and tasting until I finally achieved the perfect balance of flavors.

When I took my first spoonful of my homemade Meaty Kale Soup, I knew that I had succeeded. The broth was rich and savory, the meat tender and flavorful, and the kale perfectly cooked. It was just as delicious as the soup I had tasted in that little café in New York City.

From that day on, Meaty Kale Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I served it, it received rave reviews, with friends and family begging for the recipe.

I was happy to share my creation with others, passing down the recipe for Meaty Kale Soup to anyone who asked. I taught my children and grandchildren how to make it, watching with pride as they recreated the dish with their own unique twists.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home, I can't help but smile as I ladle out bowls of Meaty Kale Soup for my loved ones. The recipe may have come from a chance encounter in a café many years ago, but it has become a cherished part of our family's culinary heritage.

As I take a sip of the warm, flavorful broth, I am reminded of that rainy day in New York City, when I first discovered the magic of Meaty Kale Soup. And I am grateful for the journey that led me to this delicious and comforting dish that has brought joy and nourishment to my family for generations.