Ham and Bean Soup

This soup is perfect for cold days because it is hearty and comforting, with tender navy beans and tasty ham.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried navy beans
• 8 cups water
• 1 ham bone or ham hock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse the dried navy beans and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours

In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, water, ham bone or ham hock, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1

5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened

Remove the ham bone or ham hock from the soup and discard

Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste

Serve hot