Pat: Creamy, smoky white beans, simmered with some kind of pork fat, are a Southern staple, especially when served with a wedge of warm cornbread. This white-bean soup is finished with kale, a nourishing green that’s packed with vitamins A and C (the leaves are so pretty that Gina uses the green and purple varieties to decorate her party trays). Smoked sausage makes a great addition to this soup, and what we do then is leave out the bacon and add 1/2 pound of sliced smoked sausage instead. (You’ve heard the expression “an eye for an eye” in Memphis we say “a pig for a pig.”)
Like most soups, this one is best if made 1 or 2 days ahead. Cool completely, uncovered, then chill, covered. When reheating, thin the soup with a little water if necessary.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Place the beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches, and soak the beans overnight. Drain.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, leeks, tomato, carrot, celery, garlic, and bacon, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the beans, stock, thyme, rosemary, and water, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low, then cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very tender, about 50 minutes. Then stir in the kale and simmer until the leaves are tender, about 15 more minutes. Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
