Soup recipes?

My grandpa grew up very poor in Arkansas (he was born in 1918), so they had beans a lot. This soup is the only meal I ever saw my grandfather make – because it was his favorite from childhood and evoked memories of his family. He used ham in his soup, but I don't, so you can use liquid Hickory smoke to achieve the smokiness without the meat. I soak 1 pound of Great Northern beans overnight, rinse them, then in the slow cooker I put: beans, 1 large diced onion, 2 sliced celery stalks, 3 sliced carrots, 2 bay leaves, 4 - 6 T bullion (I like Better than Bullion veg base, but you can use whatever you like), and 1 T liquid Hickory smoke. I heat water in my tea kettle on the stove and pour it over everything (I use a 4 qt pot, so I fill it to the top with the hot water). Set it on low for the day (9 hours-ish) and enjoy it when you get home from work. Oh – salt and pepper to taste once it’s in the bowl (I love more pepper, my mom likes more salt…I always invite her over when I make this.) This soup is simplicity at its best. Here's an easier list for you to read:

GRANDPA RV’S GREAT NORTHERN BEAN SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Great Northern beans
• 1 large diced onion
• 2 sliced celery stalks
• 3 sliced carrots
• 1 ham steak, ½” diced, plus bone (or 1 T Hickory Smoke)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 - 6 T bullion (depending on saltiness)
• Salt & Pepper to taste (when serving)


Stove Top Directions:

Soak the Great Northern beans overnight, rinse them, then put in a large soup pot. Add remaining ingredients and add water until it’s 3” above ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook for 2 hours.



Slow Cooker Directions:

Soak the Great Northern beans overnight, rinse them, then in the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except salt & papper. Heat water in tea kettle on the stove and pour over ingredients until at least 3" above ingredients. Cook on low for 8-9 hours.


Finishing Directions:

Remove bay leaves and bone (if using). Add salt & pepper to taste.