PROVENCAL BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• 1. Prep: 30 min. + standing Cook: 2-1/4 hours Yield: 16-18 Servings 30 135 165 Ingredients •1 pound dried navy beans •3 medium leeks (white part only), chopped •1 medium onion, chopped •2 garlic cloves, minced •1 tablespoon canola oil •9 cups water •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. Yield: 16-18 servings (about 4-1/2 quarts). Editor's Note: 2 cups of shredded cabbage may be substituted for the kale