Ham and Bean Soup

A warm, hearty soup made with tender beans, savory ham, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a cozy family meal and even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried navy beans or Great Northern beans
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the beans and remove any damaged beans or debris. Soak them overnight in water, then drain and rinse.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beans, water or broth, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Remove the ham bone. If using a ham bone, shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a spoon and stir them back into the pot.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Enjoy this comforting, protein-packed soup that’s full of classic homemade flavor!