I don't know exactly why, but this Shiitake Kale and White Bean Soup is simply fabulous. When I first made it my hubby went crazy for it (even said it was the best soup I ever made!), but since I was in the midst of my juice-only-detox I didn't get to enjoy any :( Since today was cold and snowy, and my hubby was out hunting all day, I made up another pot and let.me.tell.you...it is AMAZING!!
In a large soup pot heated to medium, cook chopped bacon pieces in butter. Once the bacon is crisp add the garlic, onion, celery, carrots and mushrooms (yes leave all the yummy fat in the pot!) Cook your veggies over medium/low heat until tender, season with sea salt, black pepper, a pinch of crushed red pepper and 1t paprika, stir to combine and cook a little longer... then add in your water, chicken stock, beans and kale. Let soup cook over med/low for about 20 min, then put a lid on the pot, turn off the burner and let your soup rest for a hour or more... season with additional sea salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste.