Ham and Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry white beans (such as Great Northern)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup onion (diced)
• 2 large carrots (peeled, halved and cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1 ham bone (or ham hock)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups diced ham
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 8 hours or overnight.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for 5-6 minutes or until softened.

3. 3

   Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Return the soaked beans to the pot.

5. 5

   Place the ham bone, thyme, rosemary, brown sugar and bay leaf in the pot.

6. 6

   Pour the water into the pot and bring to a simmer.

7. 7

   Cook for 60-90 minutes or until beans are tender.

8. 8

   Discard the bay leaf and herb sprigs.

9. 9

   Discard the ham bone. Stir in the diced ham. If you're using a ham hock, remove the hock, cut the meat off the bone and return the meat to the pot.

10. 10

    Cook for another 10-15 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.