~ HEARTY HAM & BEAN SOUP ~ CASS'S WAY

~ Hearty Ham & Bean Soup ~ Cass's Way image

Provided by Cassie *

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 1/2 Tbsp oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 Tbsp minced garlic paste
6 c chicken broth
1 1/2 - 2 lb ham bone with meat attached
2 medium yukon gold potatoes - peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes ( about 2 cups )
2 - 3 carrots, peeled and cubed
2 - 3 medium stalks, celery including leaves, chopped
1 lb dry navy beans or could use great northern
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 - 1 tsp salt
2 - 3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp each - cumin & black pepper

Steps:

1. Either soak beans over night covered with water or cover with water and bring to a boil for 2 minutes then remove from stove and cover for 1 hour. ( make sure you pick through beans to remove any debris before either soaking method. ) In a heavy dutch oven over medium heat - add oil, once hot add onion and garlic. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Remove from stove and add the broth, ham bone, beans, potatoes, carrots, celery, pepper, cumin, salt, oregano and bay leaves.
2. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove bone and cool, then remove meat and add back to pot. Continue simmering for another 45 minutes to 1 hour or until beans are desired tenderness. Remove bay leaves. Taste and if needs more seasoning add it and stir.
3. Serve in individual bowls with some crusty bread. Delicious!