Harvest Bean Chowder - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups great northern beans
water
meaty ham bone or smoked ham hock
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 medium potato, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
salt and pepper

Preparation

Soak beans according to directions, using either method.
Drain beans and measure liquid.
Add water to make 1 1/2 quarts.
Place beans, liquid, ham bone, onion and garlic in large kettle.
Simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until tender.
Add potato, carrots, celery and green pepper.
Simmer 30 minutes longer.
Remove ham bone.
Cut up meat and return to soup.
Thicken with flour blended with a little cold water.
Add milk and heat gently.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.