Creamy Ham And Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 quart dried beans
• 1 pound ham
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Milk as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cooking soda

Method

1. 1 Soak 1 quart dried beans in lukewarm water overnight.
2. 2 Drain beans, cover with fresh cold water, and boil for one hour.
3. 3 Drain again, cover with fresh water, and add cooking soda, ham, bay leaf, onion, and carrot.
4. 4 Boil until beans are soft.
5. 5 Remove ham, then press the vegetables and beans through a sieve.
6. 6 Return puree to the kettle, add butter and enough milk to reach desired thickness.
7. 7 Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil once, and serve.