Crouton’s 15-Bean Soup

• 1 pkg 15-bean soup w/ham flavoring packet
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 2 cans vegetable broth
• water
• salt, pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ham steak, cut up

Directions

Cover beans with water and let them soak in a pot overnight. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans, return them to the pot and add enough vegetable broth and water to cover the beans. Add chopped onion, garlic, salt and pepper, bay leaf, ham flavoring packet, and ham hock. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, partially cover, and cook on low heat (barely bubbling) for 2-3 hours. Remove ham hock with tongs and throw away. Add ham, then cook on low heat, uncovered, for another hour or so. Add water periodically to keep the beans covered and to keep the soup from getting too thick.

Serve with crusty bread.