Lima Beans and Ham Soup

• lb dried lima beans↗1 lb
• water↗8 cups
• lb ham steak, cubed1 lb
• butter↗2 tablespoons
• onion, diced↗1⁄2 cup
• carrot, peeled and sliced↗1
• stalk celery, sliced↗1
• large potatoes, peeled and halved↗2
• bay leaf↗1
• salt↗1 teaspoon
• dash pepper↗1 dash

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and sort beans before adding to a pot of water and bringing to boil for 3 minutes.

2. 2

   Set aside to soak for 1 hour.

3. 3

   While beans are soaking, melt butter in large soup pot.

4. 4

   Saute onions, carrots, and celery for 3-5 minutes.

5. 5

   Add 8 cups water, bay leaf, salt and dash of pepper.

6. 6

   Add halved potatoes.

7. 7

   Drain lima beans and add to pot.

8. 8

   Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce heat to medium low.

9. 9

   Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.

10. 10

    Add cubed ham during last half hour.

11. 11

    Mash the potato halves to thicken the stock.

12. 12

    Salt and pepper to taste.