Ham, Bean, and Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried great northern beans
• 1 pound cooked ham , diced
• 1 ham bone , 10 ounce
• 1 can tomato sauce , 8 ounce
• 2 large onions , chopped
• 4 stalks celery , sliced
• 1 bouquet garni
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 0.25 teaspoons baking soda
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 8 cups water , or enough to cover
• 3 medium potatoes , peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots , sliced

Instructions

1. 1

   Place beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight.

2. 2

   Strain and rinse beans. Place beans into a large stockpot with ham, ham bone, tomato sauce, onions, celery, bouquet garni, parsley, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add potatoes and carrots; continue to simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Season with more salt if necessary. Remove ham bone to serve.