Neighborhood Bean Soup

This is another one of my favorite soup recipes that i have made a million times.  I got the recipe from tasteofhome.com and have modified the recipe to my liking.  Don't let the dried beans scare you away from making this recipe because it is really easy   After you make a ham with the bone in, save the meaty bone and make this soup the next day or freeze the meaty bone to make this another day.  

2 cups dried great northern beans

8 cups chicken broth

1 meaty ham bone 

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

2 medium onions, chopped

3 medium carrots, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

1 tablespoon canola oil

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, ham bone, 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. Remove meat from bone and cut into chunks; return to soup. Discard bone. Skim fat from soup.


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