Classic Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight in water, then drain.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add beans, ham bone, broth, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
7. Remove ham bone and shred any meat, return to pot.
8. Simmer for another 30 minutes until beans are tender.
9. Remove bay leaves and season with additional salt if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.