Dinner Recipe Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup

Dinner Recipe Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried great northern beans


• 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)


• 3 cups water


• 1 large meaty ham bone (I use 2 or 3 smoked ham hocks)


• 2 -3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules


• 1 teaspoon dried thyme


• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram


• 1/2 teaspoon pepper


• 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage


• 1/4 teaspoon dried savory


• 1 medium onion, chopped


• 3 medium carrots, chopped


• 2 celery ribs, chopped (I also put in a handful of the chopped celery leaves)


• 1 large potato, cut into cubes (optional, but very good)


• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2”.


2. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.


3. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain.


4. Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil.


5. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours (I find I usually add at least an hour to this).


6. Sauté’ onions, carrots and celery in oil; add to soup along with cubed potato (if using).


7. Cover and simmer 1 hour longer.


8. Debone ham and cut into chunks; return to soup.


9. Skim fat (I find I don’t have any to skim).


10. I like to mash some of the beans once they get soft. My total cooking time is more like 6 hours than 4 hours.


11. Great served with corn bread.