Pour the beans into a pot, cover with warm water and let soak for 4 hours or over night reserving the flavor packet. Drain the water, add the onion, dried mushrooms, reserved flavor packet along with 10 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 1 – 1 ½ hours or until the beans are tender. Add the soy sauce, pepper, kale and balsamic vinegar, cover and simmer for another 20 minutes. You may need to add a little more water if you want your beans soupier.

Taste the beans and add some more salt and black pepper if needed. Drop the cornmeal mixture onto the simmering beans by big tablespoonfuls. Cover the pot and let simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve with the remaining green onions and some crushed red pepper flakes if desired.