Quick Ham and Canned Great Northern Bean Soup

This Quick Ham and Canned Great Northern Bean Soup is a nice hearty way to use up some leftover ham from the freezer. And perfect for the cold snowy weather a lot of us are dealing with right now... My thoughts: If you have bacon fat, sub that for the butter:@) I like the chili powder and think it's supposed to help with the smoky flavor, but think I'd cut back the next time. This will be a thinner broth based soup. I also might add a little fresh spinach once my Aerogarden starts producing, and my seeds have sprouted:@) Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, I think you'll be pleased with this nice easy soup.

Recipe easily cut in half.

Quick Ham and Bean Soup-adapted from Taste of Home

2 large carrots, cleaned and chopped

2 large stalks celery, chopped

1/2 C chopped onion

2 Tblsp butter

1 small clove garlic, about 1/2 tsp minced

Four 15 oz cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

4 C chicken broth

2 C ham, cubed

1 tsp chili powder-I'll start with 1/2 tsp next time

1/4 tsp pepper

1 small bay leaf

1. Saute carrot, celery and onion in butter for about 5 minutes. 
2. Add garlic and stir until veggies are soft, about 2-3 more minutes. 
3. Add everything else, bring to boil and heat through.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy an easy meal and

Have a Happy Day:@)