Quick Ham And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 (24 oz.) jars Great Northern beans
1 lb. smoked ham
2 large carrots
1 stalk celery
1 small onion
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
2 qt. hot water
vegetable oil

Preparation

In food processor or blender, coarsely chop carrots, celery, onion and ham.
In a 3-quart Dutch oven, heat just enough oil to lightly coat bottom of pan.
Saute ham and vegetables, but do not brown.
Add water and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
Reduce to simmer and add beans (with juice).
Cover and simmer on very low heat for 1 hour.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Use salt and pepper if needed.
This soup is better the next day.