Easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe with great northern beans

by Candace
(Florida)

I've got a really easy and delicious ham and bean soup to offer

1 bag great northern beans or large dried limas
2 large vidalia onions (chopped)
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 pkgs of cubed ham (usually available in meat dept of local grocery store)
1 T minced garlic
2 boxes of organic chicken broth
Salt & pepper to taste

Prepare beans for cooking according to directions on back of pkg. I usually soak them overnight. Drain off water. Pour in chicken broth. Add chopped onion ( I like the onion chopped fairly large pieces), tomatoes (with juice), garlic, and seasoning. Cook very slowly for several hours until beans are tender. Check fluid level frequently and add water if necessary. I like my bean soup fairly thick so once the beans begin to get tender I stir it frequently. Sometimes I will take out a cup or so of beans (with a little liquid) and run it through the blender then add that back to the soup. Or I will just smash some of the beans while stirring it. This gives it a thicker texture.