Winter Minestrone - Edible Santa Barbara and Wine Country

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried white beans
• Olive oil
• 2 3-ounce sausages (sliced (optional))
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 medium-sized carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• 4-5 small potatoes (red or yellow, peeled and chopped into small cubes)
• 1 bunch kale (stems removed, leaves thinly sliced)
• 6 cups warm water (or vegetable stock)
• 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (or kosher salt)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Crusty French or Italian Bread (for serving)