PIONEER WOMAN BEAN SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Put the beans in a large bowl and cover with about 3 times their volume of cold water. Soak overnight in a cool place.
• Drain the beans and transfer to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 10 cups water and the ham. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 hour, 30 minutes. Transfer the ham to a plate to cool slightly, then remove the bone, if used, and dice the meat. Return the meat to the pot.
• Meanwhile, cover the potato with water in a saucepan and season with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potato is fork-tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the potato; transfer to a bowl with the milk and mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Add the mashed potato to the bean soup and stir until combined.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic and parsley and cook until the vegetables are translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the vegetable mixture to the soup, reduce the heat to low and cook 1 hour, adding up to 2 more cups water if the soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in an 8-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it into bite-size chunks as it cooks, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to allow excess oil to drain off.
• Add the peppers, oregano, rosemary, garlic and onions to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, beans and tomatoes. Return the sausage to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
• Stir in the kale, heavy cream and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• To freeze, transfer the soup to containers with airtight lids, leaving space at the top as it will expand as it freezes. Allow the soup to cool completely before placing the lids on and freezing. Reheat until hot before serving and garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.