Discover the delightful flavors of this Easy Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew, a wholesome and hearty dish that will warm your soul. By soaking the dried white beans in salted water overnight, we ensure a perfectly tender texture. This stew is a fantastic way to utilize leftover smoked ham, creating a rich and savory base for the beans and kale to shine. Served with sliced crusty bread brushed with olive oil and toasted, this stew is a complete and satisfying meal. So let’s get cooking and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Serves 8 to 10
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound dried white beans, such as great northern, cannellini, or Tarbais, soaked in salted water at room temperature for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, and drained
- 1 pound leftover smoked ham bones, scraps, and/or meat
- 3 quarts homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock, or water
- 1 large onion, split in half
- 1 large clove garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- Kosher salt
- 1 large bunch kale, stems trimmed (about 2 quarts loosely packed)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sherry vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large Dutch oven, combine the soaked and drained white beans, leftover smoked ham bones or scraps, chicken stock (or water), split onion, garlic, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the beans are completely tender. This should take approximately 45 minutes. Remember to add water as necessary to ensure the beans are always covered with liquid. When done, remove the pot from the heat, take out the ham, and set it aside. Discard the onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
- Once the ham is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into small pieces and return it to the pot, discarding any bones. Now, add the bunch of kale to the pot, bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer, and let it cook, stirring occasionally. Allow some beans to break down completely, and let the liquid reduce to a thick stew-like consistency. The kale should become tender during this process, which typically takes around 30 minutes.
- Season the stew to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. To serve, ladle the stew into shallow bowls. Drizzle each bowl with plenty of extra-virgin olive oil and add a sprinkle of sherry vinegar for a delightful finishing touch.
- Enjoy your Easy Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew with slices of crusty bread that have been brushed with olive oil and toasted. This delightful combination of flavors and textures will have you savoring every spoonful.
This Easy Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew is a true delight for both the palate and the soul. The combination of tender white beans, smoky ham, and vibrant kale creates a harmony of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. With the added touch of drizzling olive oil and a sprinkle of sherry vinegar, the stew reaches new heights of deliciousness.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight dinner or a heartwarming dish to share with loved ones, this stew fits the bill perfectly. So gather around the table, savor each spoonful, and enjoy the warmth and nourishment that this wholesome stew brings. And don’t forget to serve it with toasted crusty bread for a delightful and complete meal. Bon appétit!
