Comfort Food Classic: Ham & Bean Soup

Here's a comfort food classic for leftover ham.  I found this great dried bean mixture made specifically for ham soup, so I decided to give it a shot (you can also use the dried bean mixes for bean soup).  From there, add veggies and spices of your choice and you've got a perfect way to use leftover ham.

Ham & Bean Soup

Ingredients:

- 1/2 bag dried bean mix

- 1/2 lb. leftover ham or hambone with some ham left

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 celery stalks, sliced

- 1 green bell pepper, chopped

- 2 T. minced garlic

- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

- 1 t. chili powder

- 1/2 t. black pepper

- 1/2 t. dill weed

- 4-6 cups water (I had to add a couple more cups while simmering because it cooked down so much)

Directions:

1.  Soak beans in a stock pot overnight, or for at least 8 hours.



2.  Drain and rinse beans, then return to pot.  Add the ham and 4 cups of water.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

3.  Add the vegetables, spices, and 2 more cups of water (if needed).  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until veggies are softened.

I added 2 more cups of water

printable recipe