Kale Stew

3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 pound smoked sausage or ham
1 large onion
6 to 8 large cloves garlic
4 large potatoes
1 large bunch kale
2 quarts water or chicken stock
2 (16 ounce) cans white beans
Salt and lots of black pepper

Heat olive oil in a wide, deep soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage or ham, chopping it into small pieces.

Dice onion and add it to pan. Mince garlic and add it. Cook them together, stirring often, until they soften, about 5 or 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, dice potatoes. Wash and stem kale and slice in slivers. Add potatoes and kale to the pot as you prepare them. Add water. Increase heat to high and bring stew to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are very soft. Use a potato masher or fork to roughly mash the potatoes and thicken the broth. Add beans and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4 to 6.

Serve with large of hunks of rustic bread to use for dipping.