The Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew is the epitome of using what you have to create something spectacular. Starting with the flavorful remnants of your holiday ham, this dish brings together tender beans, hearty greens, and a fragrant broth enriched with garlic, bay leaf, and savory ham goodness.
Finished with a drizzle of quality olive oil and a splash of tangy sherry vinegar, this stew becomes something more than just leftovers—it’s a rustic, soul-warming dish perfect for cold evenings and sharing with family around the table. Paired with crusty bread, it’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb dried beans (Great Northern, cannellini, or navy), soaked overnight
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1 lb leftover smoked ham bones, scraps, and/or meat
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3 quarts low-sodium chicken stock or water
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1 large onion, halved
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1 large clove garlic
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3 bay leaves
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Kosher salt, to taste
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1 large bunch kale leaves, de-stemmed and chopped (about 2 quarts loosely packed)
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
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Sherry vinegar, for finishing
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Crusty bread, toasted in olive oil (for serving)
Directions:
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In a large Dutch oven, combine soaked beans, ham, stock or water, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
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Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until beans are completely tender. Add water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
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Remove the ham and set it aside to cool. Discard onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
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Once cool, shred the ham into small pieces using your fingers. Discard any bones.
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Return shredded ham to the pot and add the chopped kale.
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Simmer vigorously for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens, some beans break down, and the kale is fully tender.
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Season to taste with more salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Serve hot in shallow bowls, topped with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of sherry vinegar. Serve with crusty toasted bread on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 273 kcal | Servings: 8–10 servings
The Perfect Winter Stew: Ham, Bean, and Kale
When it comes to cozy, soul-warming meals that make the most of leftovers and humble ingredients, few recipes can compete with a hearty bowl of Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew. This dish isn’t just a way to use up a holiday ham bone—it’s a time-tested culinary tradition rooted in frugality, flavor, and nutrient-dense cooking.
Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste, cook more economically, or just crave a wholesome stew that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers every time. It’s rustic, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize. Let’s dive deeper into the history, health benefits, versatility, and why this stew deserves a place in your regular cooking rotation.
A Dish With Humble Origins and Global Roots
Stews made from leftover meat and legumes have existed in virtually every culture throughout history. From French cassoulet to Portuguese feijoada, these dishes were born out of necessity—making use of scraps, bones, and preserved meats to stretch meals and nourish large families.
The Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew we know today has strong ties to Southern U.S. cuisine and also mirrors rustic European peasant food. In the American South, ham hocks and collard or turnip greens often formed the base of soups and stews during the winter months. The addition of beans made it a complete meal—loaded with protein, fiber, and slow-releasing energy.
Over time, the dish evolved with regional variations. Today, kale often replaces traditional collards for its texture, color, and superfood status. Meanwhile, the use of sherry vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil at the end of cooking brings a Mediterranean brightness to the dish, balancing the smoky richness of the ham.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There’s a lot to love about this stew, but its strength lies in its balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition. Here’s why it works so beautifully:
1. Layered Flavor from Simple Ingredients
The magic begins with a leftover smoked ham bone, which infuses the broth with a deep, savory flavor that no bouillon cube can replicate. Adding aromatics like garlic, onion, and bay leaves brings complexity without overpowering the dish.
The final flourish—a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of sherry vinegar—adds a bright contrast that elevates the stew from good to unforgettable.
2. Hearty and Filling
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent source of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. When cooked low and slow, they become tender and creamy, giving the stew a satisfying mouthfeel that makes it ideal for chilly nights.
Paired with salty, shredded ham and the earthy robustness of kale, each bite delivers a comforting mix of flavors and textures.
3. Packed with Nutrients
This stew offers a wide array of health benefits:
- Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Beans provide fiber for digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Ham, in moderation, adds iron and protein, contributing to muscle function and satiety.
With over 21g of protein and 9g of fiber per serving, this dish offers serious fuel without relying on heavy starches or refined ingredients.
A Zero-Waste Champion
One of the most satisfying aspects of this stew is its alignment with sustainable, waste-reducing cooking. After a holiday dinner or Sunday roast, the ham bone is often discarded—but it’s actually one of the most flavorful parts of the entire cut. By simmering it with beans and water, you create a rich broth that forms the backbone of this dish—no boxed stock necessary.
This stew not only stretches leftovers into a brand-new meal, but it also reduces the environmental impact of food waste. It’s a simple way to honor your ingredients, minimize kitchen trash, and still eat incredibly well.
Easy to Customize
Another reason this stew shines is its flexibility. It’s a blank canvas for whatever you have on hand. Here are some variations you might try:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke, plus vegetable broth, for a deeply flavorful vegan stew.
- Other Greens: If kale isn’t available, try spinach, collards, mustard greens, or Swiss chard.
- Different Beans: Cannellini, navy, Great Northern, chickpeas, or even lentils all work beautifully.
- Add Grains: A handful of cooked farro, brown rice, or barley can bulk up the stew and add a delightful chewy texture.
This versatility makes the dish adaptable to dietary needs, seasonal produce, and pantry staples.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This recipe is also ideal for meal prep and batch cooking. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. Here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much during storage.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While the stew stands on its own as a complete meal, the right side or topping can take it to the next level. Try it with:
- Crusty sourdough bread or cornbread for dipping
- A sprinkle of Parmesan or pecorino cheese
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brightness
- A glass of earthy red wine or a light ale for pairing
Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet solo dinner, this dish feels homey and special at the same time.
The Emotional Comfort Factor
Let’s not underestimate the emotional power of a dish like this. The act of simmering bones, beans, and greens in one big pot harkens back to family traditions, snow days, and Sunday meals with loved ones. There’s something deeply comforting about this kind of food—it nourishes the soul as much as the body.
When life feels rushed or complicated, returning to a recipe like this—made from real, whole foods and prepared with care—can be grounding. It’s the kind of food that slows you down, invites conversation, and makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the home.
Conclusion
- ✅ Deep, developed flavor with minimal ingredients
- ✅ Nutritionally balanced and hearty
- ✅ Zero-waste and budget-friendly
- ✅ Adaptable for vegetarian/vegan diets
- ✅ Freezer- and meal-prep-friendly
- ✅ Rooted in culinary tradition
- ✅ Comforting, cozy, and soul-satisfying
If you’re looking for a reliable go-to recipe that brings comfort, nutrition, and sustainability to your table, the Ham, Bean, and Kale Stew checks all the boxes. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a timeless kitchen ritual that keeps giving, meal after meal.
