Spinach and Kale Soup with Spinach Gremolata

Serves 6-8

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 strips of bacon, chopped
• 4 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups no-salt chicken broth (I used homemeade)
• 1 pound russet potatoes, cut into bite size pieces
• 7 large kale leaves, center ribs removed and chopped
• 5 ounces of baby spinach, one cup reserved for gremolata
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

For the Gremolata

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• zest of one lemon
• 1 clove of garlic grated
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Directions

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until the fat is rendered. Add the chopped onion, garlic and mushrooms. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook until the onions are tender and transluscent, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, potatoes, kale and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.

Add the spinach and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. I added another 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes more. Serve hot, topped with the gremolata and toasted pine nuts.

To make the gremolata: mix 1 cup of the chopped spinach with the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.