Christmas Ham Bean Soup

Christmas Ham Bean Soup

1 bone from a ham
6 beef boullion cubes
1 bag brown beans
1 large onion, chopped
1-2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
Salt
Pepper - LOTS
Curry Powder, to taste.

Bring the beans to a boil for 20 minutes and then allow to sit for 2 hours with a lid.  (Or put the beans in the crockpot the night before).

Place the hambone in a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes or longer.  Remove the ham bone to a serving platter and allow to cool.

Add the chopped onion, carrots and celery to the simmering ham broth water.    When the ham bone cools enough, remove all the little pieces of ham.  You'll be surprised about how much is still left on that bone!  Discard the bone and return the ham bits to the soup.  Add the softened beans to the soup.  Continue to simmer on low for about 1 hour.  (Or place into a crockpot on low).
When the beans are tender, add the beef boullion, salt, pepper and curry powder.  We use about 2-3 tablespoons of black pepper.

This makes a huge vat of delicious soup which can be used for lunches or dinners and there is enough to freeze for later.