❊ Recipe NEIGHBORHOOD HAM AND BEAN SOUP

Try easy NEIGHBORHOOD HAM AND BEAN SOUP Recipe. Step-by-Step. is perfect for busy families. Comes together quickly with a few staple ingredients!

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

DIRECTIONS

Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain. Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours (I find I usually add at least an hour to this). Saut onions, carrots and celery in oil; add to soup along with cubed potato (if using). Cover and simmer 1 hour longer. Debone ham and cut into chunks; return to soup. Skim fat (I find I dont have any to skim). I like to mash some of the beans once they get soft. My total cooking time is more like 6 hours than 4 hours. Great served with corn bread.

by: Bobbie