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Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes
Ready In: 390 Minutes
Servings: 10
The flavors in this bean soup remind me of the bean soup my grandmother used to make on our farm in Ohio when I was a young girl. I love to make it during the winter months - it doesn't last long. My daughter is now making it for her family as well. Maybe it's called Neighborhood bean soup because the neighbors love it when I make it - it's a wonderful soup to share with special friends. It is great served wtih a nice piece of hot corn bread. I can't remember exactly where I found the recipe - but I'm glad I have it and I hope you will feel the same.
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:
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.
By RecipeOfHealth.com