Ingredients1 lb dried navy beans or great northern beans8 cups water or chicken broth1 ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham1 small onion, chopped2 carrots, sliced2 celery stalks, chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1/2 tsp paprika1/2 tsp dried thyme1 bay leafInstructionsRinse the beans and sort through them, removing any debris. Place beans in a large pot with water or chicken broth.Add the ham bone or diced ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the soup is thick and flavorful.If using a ham bone, remove it, shred any meat, discard the bone, and return the meat to the pot. Remove the bay leaf.Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.
Ham and Bean Soup
