Hearty Pinto Bean and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• Pinto beans (1 cup, dried)
• Ham (1 cup, diced)
• Chicken broth (6 cups)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain and set aside before using.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté until browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the soaked pinto beans, chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the pinto beans are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.