Pinto Bean and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Chicken broth (8 cups)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Ham (1 pound, diced)
• Pinto beans (1 pound, dried)

Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans and soak them overnight in water. Drain before using.
2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the soaked pinto beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.