Good Chili Variation

We had this soup last night and it was delicious. I omitted the turkey and doubled the black beans (about 5 cups cooked, rinsed, and drained total). We also omitted the jalapeno because I didn't have one on hand. For the cheese we used cheddar but I think the Pepper-jack would be better although I don't think the soup really needs cheese so it could easily be made vegan and still taste good. The spinach was straight from our garden; so good!

Ham and Bean Soup

We had this last night and it was delicious. For the beans I used about 3/4 cup large lima beans, 1 cup white beans, 1 cup black beans, and 1 cup pinto beans. My husband said the limas were what made the soup stand out.

Ham and Bean Soup

1-2 pounds (3-4 cups) dry beans

2 cups stock

4 cups water (plus more for soaking beans)

2 bay leaves

1-2 tsp paprika

1-2 tsp dried parsley

4 cups cooked ham, chopped

pepper to taste

1. Soak beans (using either quick soak or overnight soak).

2. Drain and rinse beans; place in crock pot. Add all other ingredients. Cook on high for about 4-6 hours.