Neighborhood Bean Soup
Country Woman
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Meet the Cook: Even though I'm single, I make multiple servings of everything - as reflected in the name of my soup! Actually, that tendency's helped me get to know my neighbors. The local ladies have "adopted" me. They always volunteer to be my guinea pigs whenever I try out a new recipe or two.
-Cheryl Trowbridge, Windsor, Ontario
SERVINGS: 10
CATEGORY: Soup
METHOD: Other stovetop
TIME: Prep: 30 min. + standing Cook: 3 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried great northern beans
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/4 teaspoon dried savory
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain.
Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Meanwhile, saute the onions, carrots and celery in oil; add to soup. Cover and simmer 1 hour longer.
Debone ham and cut into chunks; return to soup. Skim fat. Yield: 10 servings (2-3/4 quarts).