Hearty Ham And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 smoked ham shank (2 lb.)
2 1/2 qt. water
1/2 c. dried red kidney beans
1/2 c. dried white kidney beans
1/2 c. dried pinto beans
1/4 c. chopped onion
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
2 c. sliced carrots

Preparation

Combine ham, water, beans, onion, Worcestershire and bay leaf in large stockpot.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans are almost tender, about 2 hours.
Stir in carrots.
Cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour longer.
Remove ham shank; cut off skin from bone and discard. Cut meat into chunks and return to stockpot.
Heat until hot.