SMOKY MOLASSES HAM, BEAN & VEGETABLE SOUP
1/2 lb. dried navy beans…………………………...6 cups water
1-2 cups cooked ham, cut into small cubes
2 tsp. Kosher salt………………………………….....1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (mixture of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger)
3 tsp. molasses……………………………………..…2 tsp. liquid smoke
1 tsp. smoked paprika………………………...……1 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried tarragon leaves……………………..2 tsp. orange marmalade
1 TB fresh parsley, chopped……………………...1 small zucchini, sliced
2 carrots, peeled & sliced (or 1 can sliced carrots, drained)
1/2 cup white or yellow onion (preferably sweet), chopped
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Put the navy beans, ham, salt, pepper, molasses, liquid smoke, bay leaf and water into a medium-sized Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower to a simmer, cover and let simmer for about 2 hours (until the beans are soft). Then add the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer another hour or two (or even longer, if you want). Taste and adjust salt & pepper, if needed.
Serves 2-4 as a main dish.