Navy Bean Soup

LaPearla's Note:

This is a hearty soup, that's great with fresh bread any time of year.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1/2 lb dried navy beans (dried)
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 lb ham (cubed)
• 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup carrot (chopped)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (chicken)
• 1 bay leaf
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. Sort and rinse beans (do not soak).
2. In a large saucepan, combine 8 cups water and all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until beans are tender (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours). I like to lightly mush some of the beans with a fork to make broth thicker. Add more water if necessary.
4. Also can be made, as directed, in a crock pot - simply add all ingredients in the morning and cook on high.