NEIGHBORHOOD BEAN SOUP

Neighborhood Bean Soup image

Even though I'm single, I make multiple servings of everything. Actually, this tendency has helped me to get to know my neighbors. A few of them always volunteer to be my guinea pigs whenever I try out a new recipe or two. -Cheryl Trowbridge, Windsor, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h45m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cups dried great northern beans
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
2 to 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
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil

Steps:

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. 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 soak for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened., Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to pan; add broth, 3 cups water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, carrots and celery in oil until tender; add to soup. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes longer or until beans are tender. , Remove ham bone; cool slightly. Skim fat from soup. Remove meat from bone and cut into chunks; return to soup. Discard bone.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 1001mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 13g protein.