HEARTY LIMA BEAN SOUP

Hearty Lima Bean Soup image

This colorful soup has a golden broth dotted with tender vegetables and lima beans. It makes an excellent lunch or first course.-Betty L. Korcek, Bridgman, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 3h10m

Yield 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 pound dried lima beans
1 large meaty ham bone or 2 ham hocks
2-1/2 quarts water
5 celery ribs, cut into chunks
5 medium carrots, cut into chunks
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pinch paprika
1 cup cold water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

Steps:

Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and discard liquid; return beans to pan. , Add ham bone and 2-1/2 qt. water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. , Debone ham and cut meat into chunks; return to pan. Add celery and carrots. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender. , In a small skillet, saute garlic in butter for 1 minute. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and paprika. Add cold water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add to the soup with tomatoes; simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 172 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 437mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 9g protein.