Neighborhood bean soup

2 cups dried great northern beans

8 cups chicken broth

1 meaty ham bone

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage

2 medium onions, chopped

3 medium carrots, chopped

3 celery ribs, chopped

1 tablespoon canola oil

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened.

Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to pan; add broth, ham bone, and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, carrots and celery in oil until tender; add to soup. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes longer or until beans are tender.

Remove ham bone; cool slightly. Remove meat from bone and cut into chunks; return to soup. Discard bone. Skim fat from soup.

recipe from www.auntbsfavorites.blogspot.com