3 Bean Soup Recipe

by P. Simmons
(Charleston,SC USA)

I have a Ham and Three Bean Soup that I would like to share with all of you.
(serves 10-12)

1 cup dried great northern beans
1 cup dried red kidney beans
1 cup dried pinto beans
Water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup chopped carrots
2 onions,chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 ham bone with ham
1 bay leaf
Salt & pepper

In large bowl,soak all the beans together in 6 cups water overnight.
Drain & rinse the next day.
In 5 quart Dutch oven,heat oil.
Add carrots,celery,& onions;cook for a few minutes.
Add 7 cups water;drain soaked beans;add ham bone & bay leaf.
Cover & bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Remove ham bone & let it cool until easy to handle.
Cut the ham off bone & discard bone.
Cut the ham into bite sized pieces & return to soup.
Heat through.
Add Salt & pepper to taste.