Country Bean Soup

A hearty country navy or lima bean soup with salt pork or ham and spices in a milk-based broth.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 pound (1 1/4 cups) dry navy beans or lima beans
2 1/2 cups water
4 ounces salt pork or cooked ham, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon sage
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Directions:

1. Rinse beans. Place in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. (Or cover beans with water and soak overnight.)
2. Drain beans and return to saucepan. Stir in 2 1/2 cups water, salt pork, onion, oregano, salt, ginger, sage and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until beans are tender. (If necessary, add more water during cooking time.)
3. Add milk and butter, stirring until mixture is heated through and butter is melted. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.