Black Beans with Kale and Ham

[pomegranates]

from: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2434



Serves 6 to 8

This very simple dish provides an inexpensive hearty alternative to
simple beans and is great as a main course on a cold night.
Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (1/2-pound) piece cooked ham, cut into small cubes
2 bunches kale (about 1 pound total), stemmed and roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 (15-ounce) cans black beans (no salt added), rinsed and drained,
divided
2 cups water
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder, more to taste (optional)
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
Method

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ham
and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer ham to a small bowl; set aside. Add
kale, salt and pepper to pot and cook, tossing often, until just
wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pot then add onions. Reduce heat to
medium and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned
bits, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, put 1/3 of the
beans and all of the water into a blender and purée until smooth; set
aside.

When onions are golden brown, add whole beans, chili powder, sugar,
reserved ham, puréed bean mixture and salt and pepper to pot, stir
well and bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Cover pot, reduce
heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in reserved kale and
serve.
Nutrition

Per serving (about 13oz/371g-wt.): 290 calories (80 from fat), 8g
total fat, 1g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 38g total
carbohydrate (12g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 18g protein

Tags:Low Sodium, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, High Fiber, Low Fat, Gluten
Free