Navy Bean Soup

So I am yet again watching Julie and Julia. I am 100% convinced that my grandmother was Julia Childs sister from a different mother cause they are so alike its scary!


Anyways so as I Julie and Julia for the 3rd time in 2 weeks I am cooking and thinking of my grandmother and my kitchen has the same smells that i grew up with. The smells of the ham and the chicken stock are filling my kitchen and its just so yummy and the smells are almost making it seem like my grandmother is here with me...





navy bean soup


a bag of NAVY beans
two carrots
one onion
two celery ribs
ketchup
salt and pepper
chicken stock (optional)
the ham bone (and maybe a little of the leftover ham)

soften the beans according to the directions, either the "quick" way or soak over night
then, add enough water (or, if you prefer, you can add chicken stock) to cover the beans by about two inches and get them boiling (this obviously needs a large pot)

mince the onion, celery and carrots and add to the boiling pot, add the bone and ham, about 1/4 cup ketchup and salt and pepper to taste (everything is "to taste" you know)

turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours, the longer the better, or cook it all day if you want

when you think it's done enough and tastes the way you want, take about two or three cups out of the pot and let it cool enough so you can put it in the blender, then put it back in the pot (alternate method is to use your masher utensil, if you have one, and smash the beans while they're still in the pot, I think you may have seen me doing this)

Delicious with toasted cheese sandwiches!