Savory Ham,tomato, Chickpea Soup

A great way to use up leftover ham.

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 8-10 cups

Ingredients

• 3  cups dried garbanzo beans
• 4  cups water
• 6  cups  water for soaking chickpeas
• 2  cups  diced ham
•  ham bone
• 1⁄2 medium onion, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, diced
• 1  cup  ham stock
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic
• 1 (19 ounce) can tomato juice
• 2  bay leaves
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Put chickpeas in a large pot with 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Boil 2-3 minute Turn off heat and cover pot. Let soak about 2 hours.
2. Drain chickpeas and discard water. Add 4 cups water, ham bone, ham stock, onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Turn on High and bring to a boil. Boil on high for 15 minutes. Reduce to medium heat cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add salt, tomato juice, Dice tomatoes, basil, thyme and cayenne pepper. Continue to boil for 30 mins or until chickpeas are soft. Remove bone and bay leaves before serving.