Step 1

To a large Dutch oven or pot, add the olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, and saute over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables have softened. Stir frequently.

Step 2

Add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Stir continuously.

Step 3

Add the canned tomatoes (do not drain), cumin, smoked paprika, dried beans, optional ham hock, cover with broth, add the bay leaves, and bring mixture to a boil.

Step 4

Once the mixture has boiled, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer over low heat for about 1 to 3 hours, or until beans are done. Stir every 20-30 minutes, or so. Bean Cooking Tips - There's a wide range of time listed because if you're not adding a ham hock, and there's more room in your pot, the beans will cook faster. It also depends on how fast your simmer is, and your overall preference for doneness. Beans are done when they're tender, but still hold their shape. Taste a few. Make sure they're not at all hard. Continue cooking until they're done, whatever that means on the clock. If you're using canned beans, add them when you add the broth, and allow the mixture to come up to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then carry on with the next step below.

Step 5

After the beans are cooked through, remove the bay leaves and the ham hock if using. Shred the meat and return it to the pot. Add the kale.If you're using leftover ham or diced/cubed ham from your deli, add it into the pot now (1 to 2 cups, or as desired), along with the kale.

Step 6

Allow the kale to wilt, which will only take a few minutes. Stir to encourage it to wilt.

Step 7

Turn off the heat, and taste the soup. Flavoring Tips - While optional, I recommend adding the lemon juice because it really brightens up the flavor and balances the soup. I add about 2 tablespoons, but it's up to you. Depending on if you used a ham hock or cubed ham or none, the type of broth you used, and your personal preference for saltiness, will all dictate how much salt to use. I would start with 1 teaspoon salt and work up from there. If the soup tastes at all flat, boring, bland, or dull, it likely needs more salt, and/or more lemon juice. Add the pepper, to taste and serve immediately.