Instructions

  1. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2”.
  2. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain.
  4. Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours (I find I usually add at least an hour to this).
  6. Sauté’ onions, carrots and celery in oil; add to soup along with cubed potato (if using).
  7. Cover and simmer 1 hour longer.
  8. Debone ham and cut into chunks; return to soup.
  9. Skim fat (I find I don’t have any to skim).
  10. I like to mash some of the beans once they get soft. My total cooking time is more like 6 hours than 4 hours.
  11. Great served with corn bread.