Jenny's Delicious Ham and Pinto Bean Soup.

Ingredients of Jenny's Delicious Ham and Pinto Bean Soup

1. It’s 1 1/2 lb of Pinto Beans (dry) (Soaked and rinsed).
2. It’s 1 of Large Onion (Washed and sliced thick).
3. It’s 1 lb of Cubed Ham.
4. It’s 4 tbsp of Salted Butter.
5. Prepare 6-10 of Chicken Bouillon Cubes (Skip or use less if using Broth).
6. It’s 2 clove of Garlic (minced).
7. You need 1/4 tsp of Dried Ground Thyme (Or 2-3 tsp Fresh Thyme).
8. It’s 1/4 tsp of Pepper.
9. You need 1 tbsp of Parsley.
10. Prepare 1 of Bay Leaf.
11. You need 10-12 cup of Water And/Or Chicken Broth.
12. It’s of Fresh Baby Spinach for garnish (Optional).

Jenny's Delicious Ham and Pinto Bean Soup instructions

1. Melt Butter in a big soup pot, over Medium heat..
2. Add Onion..
3. Add spices, except for the Bay Leaf. Stir well..
4. When the onions begin to soften, add the Ham. Stir well. Cook and stir for about 5 mins..
5. Add the 12 cups of water and the Bouillon Cubes. (For a thicker soup, use 10 cups of water and 5 Bouillon Cubes).
6. Add the Pinto Beans. Stir, and turn up heat to Medium High..
7. Heat until boiling. Cover and turn heat down to Medium Low..
8. Simmer for 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours..
9. Add Bay Leaf about a half an hour before cooking is finished..
10. Serve and enjoy! :).