Neighborhood Bean Soup

Neighborhood Bean Soup

1lb dried great northern beans

5 cups chicken broth

3 cups water

1 large meaty ham bone or a smoked hock

2-3 Tbsp chicken bouillon granules

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried marjoram

½ tsp pepper

¼ tsp rubbed sage

¼ tsp dried savory

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

8 oz diced cooked ham

Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 inches.  Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from the 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. 

Saute onions, carrots, and celery in oil; add to soup.  Cover and simmer 1 hour longer.  Add ham and simmer until hot. 

Excellent!  5/12/06

MY VERSION:  Prep the beans as directed.  Saute the onion, carrots and celery.  Then put everything in a crockpot and cook all day on low heat.