#202 Fall Minestrone

There were two ingredients in this incredible soup tonight that I have never had and always wanted to. There was kale and pancetta, both of which I was so happy that I made sure I didn't skimp out on. Pancetta is also like bacon. It is a dry cured pork belly meat that is salt cured and spiced. I wasn't sure about it at first, it smelled funny as it was cooking. But it really brought out the depth of the flavor in the soup. And kale is a very strong rustic lettuce like spinach that will wilt beautifully and hold when under high temperatures. It doesn't look like spinach, if you know what chard is, it looks a lot like that and you can use either as a substitute in dishes. Having kale in the soup is definitely an acquired taste, but if you can appreciate the deep and earthy taste and the the cozy feel that it brings to a soup, then it is the most incredible thing you have ever tasted. I imagine that this soup would be served to very very rich people during Christmastime at an exclusive lodge for the rich and famous in below freezing weather. I had some crusty bread to dip into it with a sprinkle of Romano Cheese on top and the whole combination just warmed my whole being, and I'll will tell you.........I felt more relaxed and cozy after eating that, than I would have if I spent a whole day at the spa.