Kale and White Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 8 carrots, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 qt water
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 lb dried white beans such as Great Northern, cannellini, or navy
• 1 (3- by 2-inch) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano rind
• 1 bay leaf (not California)
• 1 lb kale (preferably lacinato), stems and center ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Accompaniment:
• 1 lb smoked sausage such as kielbasa (optional), sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper