Ham and White Bean Soup Recipe

Method:

Soak the dry beans:

1. Fill a pot large enough to hold the beans with water and bring to a boil.
2. Turn off the heat, add the beans, and soak for about 2 hours.
3. Drain the water.

Simmer the ham:

1. While the beans are soaking in step 1, put the ham shanks or ham hocks in a separate large pot and cover them with 2 quarts of water.
2. Add the herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning.
3. Warm on high heat until the water comes to a simmer, then lower the heat, partially cover, and maintain the simmer for about an hour.