Broccoli Rabe and Ham in Ginger Broth Soup

SERVES 4 TO 6

Spicy greens meet tender ham in this restorative soup.

Trim ends fro 8 t0 12 broccoli rabe, Chinese mustard greens or regular mustard greens. Cut greens into 2 in. lengths about 1/2 in. thick.

Simmer 5 cups chicken broth with 6 thin slices fresh ginger, 2 crushed large garlic cloves, and 2 to 4 thin rings fresh red chile, 8 to 10 minutes. Add greens and 1 cup cooked ham, cut into wide, thin strips. Add enough extra broth to cover greens. Bring to a boil, covered, and cook until greens are barely tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

Top it with more red chiles rings if you like.