Bone and White Corn Soup (Microwave)

This is a great soup! Don't let the ingredients scare ya! Most things you probably have on-hand. With the ease of the Microwave, you won't be tied to the kitchen. I have subbed finely chopped ham rather than the bone, but the bones lend the soup something that only a ham bone can. This freezes very well. I like to put the soup over rice.

• Ready In: 33 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package  great dry northern white beans (16oz.)
• 1  ham bone, with a little meat on it
• 1 (15 1/4ounce) can  whole kernel white corn, undrained
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans  chicken stock
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika (smoked is good)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3  bay leaves
•  at this point you may need additional water (optional) or   stock, to cover slightly (optional)
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 3  celery ribs, chopped
• 3  carrots, small dice
• 3  garlic cloves, sliced
• 1  jalapeno pepper, seeded, quartered
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans diced tomatoes, pureed
•  salt
•  sliced green onion, to taste

Directions

1. Soak the beans in cold water to cover. Overnight is best.
2. Remove meat from the ham bone, cut it into 1/2" cubes (about 3 cups), and reserve. Drain beans and place in the crockpot along with the meat from the bone. Add corn,chicken, chicken stock, oregano,paprika,.
3. chili powder,black pepper, bay leaves, if using, and additional water or stock if needed, to slightly cover.Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Add the remainion ingredients except reserved ham cubes and green onions, mix well.
5. Shift cooker to LOW setting, and cook for about 5 additional hours.
6. For more "zing", add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes when adding second set of ingredients.
7. About 30 to 40 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove bay leaves; mash some of the beans against the side of the liner to thicken the soup slightly; add the reserved ham cubes and sliced green onions.
8. Taste, and adjust seasoning, if necessary.