Crazy Old Bag Lady’s Bean & Ham Soup

Instructions:

1. Soak Beans: Cover beans with water in a large bowl (2 inches above beans) and let soak overnight. Drain.
2. Cook Beans & Ham: In a heavy pot, combine beans, ham chunks or ham hock, bay leaves, and 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in onions, celery, carrots, potato, and garlic. Simmer for another hour until the soup thickens.
4. Prepare Ham: Remove ham hock, discard rind and fat, and add the stripped meat back to the soup.
5. Season: Add salt, pepper, hot sauce, and parsley. Mix well.
6. Serve: Enjoy the soup hot, straight from the pot, for maximum comfort!

Perfect for chilly nights, this recipe is a delicious tribute to a mother’s resourcefulness and culinary love. 🥣✨