Ingredients:
4 tbsp. cooking oil (olive oil compliments the flavors well)
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3⁄4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch cubes
1 tbsp. fresh or 1 tsp. dried thyme
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves finely chopped
4 cups vegetable stock OR water + ½ tsp. salt
1⁄2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, or 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 (15.5 oz) can white beans OR ½ cup dried white beans prepared with the Basic Cooked Beans recipe
Red wine vinegar (optional)
Pinch of sugar (optional)
A few tbsp. of minced, fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil (optional)
Parmesan cheese OR yeast flakes (optional)
Equipment:
Cutting board
Kitchen knife
Peeler
Can opener
Cooktop
Large stock pot
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking spoon
Directions:
- Wash all fresh produce and then chop, peel and mince them as noted in the ingredients list.
- Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onion and 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the potatoes and another 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies just begin to brown. Don’t worry if a crust starts to form on the bottom of the pot.
- Add the garlic and thyme and stir for 1 minute. Add the kale and stir well to coat the leaves with oil.
- Slowly add the vegetable stock, tomatoes, beans, final 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Use a kitchen spoon to thoroughly stir the pot.
- Bring the pot to a boil then turn down the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, and a splash of red wine vinegar if using. Add a pinch of sugar if the stew tastes too acidic.
- Serve with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.