Ingredients

  • beans
  • 3 qt. water
  • 1 lb. smoked ham or 1 ham bone
  • 2 tsp. parsley
  • 3 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1/2 tsp. thyme
  • bay leaf
  • 1 c. cubed chicken breast
  • 2 c. chopped celery with leaves
  • 1 c. sliced carrots
  • 1 (28 oz.) can chopped tomatoes
  • 3 c. chopped onions
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 lb. kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced thin
  • 2 c. dry white wine

Method

  • Wash and check beans.
  • Soak overnight in water; drain.
  • In 8 to 10-quart stock pot, put beans.
  • Add water, smoked ham or ham bone, parsley, chicken bouillon cubes, thyme and bay leaf.
  • Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
  • Add chicken breast, celery, carrots, chopped tomatoes, onions and garlic. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour.
  • Add kielbasa or smoked sausage and white wine.
  • Simmer for 1 hour.
  • Yields 5 quarts.
  • Refrigerate when cool for at least 12 hours (24 is better).
  • Remove bone, bay leaf and fat before reheating.