(Not) Aunt Pauline's Bean Salad Recipe

My Great Aunt Pauline was a wonderful cook, poet, and craftswoman. Her bean salad recipe often accompanied many of our church potlucks growing up.

As I felt autumn approach this week, I craved the sweet-tart flavor of her recipe, but wanted to use some of our garden kale and green beans, without so many canned products and with less sugar. I think my Great Aunt Pauline would have approved -- my family sure did.

(Not) Aunt Pauline's Bean Salad Recipe

1 can navy beans

1 large bunch kale (or greens from 6 beets)

Two large handfulls of green beans (about 1 pound)

Half of a small red onion, sliced thinly

1/4 c. olive oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 c. sugar (or less, to taste)

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

Wash and drain navy beans. 

Cut the tough spine from the kale (put it in your compost bin) and slice leaves thinly.

Steam beans until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes), and cut into 1" pieces.

Combine last 6 ingredients and pour over bean, kale and onion mixture. 

Toss well and refrigerate.

Enjoy!