Ingredients

• 1 quart chicken stock (4 cups)

• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

• 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage

• 1 large onion, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 5-6 cups packed sliced cavolo nero (also called Tuscan kale, dinosaur kale or lacinato kale)

• Salt and pepper

• Freshly grated nutmeg

• 1 cup mini penne or mezzi rigatoni pasta

• One can white or cannellini beans (15 ounces), rinsed

• Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• Ciabatta bread, for mopping

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken stock and porcinis. Simmer until the porcinis are tender, 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a soup pot, heat the EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat until hot. Crumble in the sausage, then add the onion and garlic and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the kale and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the porcinis from the stock and chop; stir into the soup. Stir in the stock and 2 cups water, then cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta to the soup and cook until al dente, 6-7 minutes. Stir in the beans and heat through. Serve in shallow bowls with lots of cheese on top and the bread for mopping.