Ham Bone And Bean Soup

Servings: 8
Ingredients:

10 oz 15-bean soup beans
- or other 'ham' beans
1 1/2 c  Ham scraps or fat; divided
1    Ham bone (optional)
1    Turkey carcass (optional)
1    Celery stalk; sliced
1/2    Carrot; sliced
1/2    Bay leaf; crumbled
2 1/2 qt Water (or more)
1    Onion; chopped
2    Garlic cloves; chopped
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Tabasco (optional)
Finely chopped fresh herbs
- (optional) -

COVER THE BEANS WITH WATER and soak overnight, or place in a pan, cover,
and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and let sit 1 hour. Drain. Make a
stock of 1 cup of the ham scraps or ham bone and optional turkey carcass,
celery, carrot, bay leaf and water by bringing to the boil, reducing heat,
and simmering a couple of hours. Degrease and strain. This may be done
ahead and frozen. When ready to cook, add the beans, onion, and garlic to
the stock, and bring to the boil, reduce heat, and simmer until done, about
45 minutes to an hour. Season to taste with salt and pepper and optional
hot sauce. Add freshly chopped herbs if desired. Remove from the heat. May
be made 1 to 2 days ahead. Add the remainder of the ham 1/2 hour before
serving. Bring back to the boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered.

NATHALIE DUPREE

PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK