Mom's Best Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry navy beans
• 8 cups water, divided, plus more as needed for beans
• 1 large meaty smoked ham bone
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 2 whole bay leaves
• teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• teaspoon dry mustard powder
• teaspoon chili powder
• teaspoon paprika
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato pure
• 1 cup sliced celery
• cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons chicken soup base
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• teaspoon cracked black pepper, or to taste
• cup uncooked small shell pasta

Directions

1. Place the dry beans into a saucepan and add water, ensuring the beans are covered by about one inch. Bring the water to a boil, then remove from the heat, cover, and let the beans stand for 1 hour. Afterward, drain and rinse the beans.
2. Pour 3 cups of fresh water into a large pressure cooker. Add the drained beans and the smoked ham bone. Stir in the parsley, onion flakes, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, dry mustard, chili powder, and paprika.
3. Seal the pressure cooker and heat to 15 pounds per square inch. Cook under pressure for 7 minutes. For every 1,000 feet above sea level, add 1 extra minute to the cooking time.
4. After cooking, remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to subside naturally. Once the pressure has reduced, carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in 5 cups of water, tomato pure, sliced celery, ketchup, chicken soup base, molasses, olive oil, brown sugar, and cracked black pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
7. Add the uncooked shell pasta and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Please consult a doctor or registered dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.