1 smoked boneless ham or pork shoulder (about 2 pounds), cubed
4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 medium turnips, peeled and cubed
3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups shredded fresh kale
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
Directions
Rinse and sort beans. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 to 4 hours or until beans are softened.
Drain and rinse, discarding liquid; set beans aside. In the same pan, saute the leeks, onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the water, ham, cloves, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours or until the beans are almost tender.
Add carrots, turnips, potatoes, kale and parsley. Cover and simmer 25-35 minutes longer or until the beans and vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves and cloves before serving.
Editor's Note: 2 cups of shredded cabbage may be substituted for the kale
Reviews
I am quite taken with this bean soup, especially the kale which adds such an interesting flavor. I definitely will make this again.