Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Great Northern beans
  • 12 c. water
  • 6 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 3 ham hocks or leftover ham bone
  • 2 chopped onions
  • parsley to taste
  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes
  • potato flakes (instant)
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. basil leaves
  • 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • sliced celery and carrots
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Method

  • Clean and rinse beans; soak overnight or longer.
  • Drain.
  • Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes, celery, carrots, potato flakes and oil.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
  • Remove meat from bone; cut into small pieces and return to soup.
  • Add tomatoes, celery, carrots and potato flakes to thicken.
  • Stir until blended, then add oil.
  • Return to heat; simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender.
  • Remove bay leaf.
  • Serve.