Quick and Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Easy and Delicious!

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons butter
4 (15 1/2 oz) cans of white beans, - great northern, cannellini, or navy
4 cups chick or vegetable broth
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Sazon seasoning blend (Hispanic foods section of grocery store)
Ham bone - if available

Directions:

If a ham bone is available, place broth in a stock pot and gently simmer bone for 20 minutes, replacing evaporated liquid before proceeding.  This will intensify the ham flavor but if a bone is not available, don't worry about it.  The soup turns out great without this step.

In a large pan, Sauté the vegetables in butter until tender.  Stir together with the remaining ingredients in a small stock pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Servings: 8