WHITE BEANS WITH KALE AND RICE

Steps:

• Stack the kale leaves and cut in wide ribbons or chop coarsely. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens, about five minutes. Add half the garlic, and stir together for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant.
• Add the beans, bay leaf, and 2 quarts water. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat and lightly boil for one hour. Add the remaining garlic and salt to taste, and simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour until the beans are tender. At this point, most of the liquid may have boiled away, as the mixture becomes dry, add chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time as it boils away. Continue to do so throughout the rest of the steps/process.
• Add the rice and pepper, and simmer 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in the kale leaves, and simmer another five to 10 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright. The mixture should be thick like risotto. Season to taste with salt and a lot of fresh black pepper. Squeeze on the fresh lemon juice , and serve topped with Parmesan cheese.