Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

This is the best EVER recipe for a Hearty Ham and Bean Soup! One of my family's all-time favorite recipes for leftover ham, absolutely delicious.

Leftovers is one of my favorite things about baking a delicious ham, because now I can make a savory yummy soup! Ham and Bean soup is awesome for lunch, yet so filling if makes a great dish for dinner.

Ingredients: for Hearty Ham and Bean Soup

• 1 ham bone (I make sure to leave chunks of meat on the bone before I freeze it)

• 4 Cups of Leftover Ham (chunks or shredded)

• 1 - 1/2 Cups of Chopped Celery

• 1 - 1/2 Cups Chopped Carrots

• 1 Medium size onion finely chopped

• 3 Gloves of Garlic (minced)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 Springs of fresh thyme

• 9 Cups of Chicken Broth

• drizzle of Olive Oil to cook down the vegetables

• 2 Cups of Dry Navy beans

Directions:

• Start by soaking the beans the night before in cold water in a large bowl. When you wake up the will be soft and large (fill way over beans as they will inflate)

• In a Large Skillet sauté the celery, onions, garlic and carrots with a drizzle of olive oil until tender.

• Transfer to a Large Soup Pot then add in the chicken broth, ham bone and ham.

• Add in everything else and bring to a boil.

• Reduce the heat and simmer with lid on for at least 3 hours.

• I serve with large pieces of ham on top and chopped up green onions.

Great with French bread on the side.

Haley Fox