Dad’s Lima Bean Soup with Ham Bone

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
4 hrs 10 mins

Additional Time:
1 hr

Total Time:
5 hrs 30 mins

Servings:
8

Ingredients

Directions

Combine ham bone and 8 cups water in a large saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat until remaining meat falls off the bone, about 2 hours. Remove and discard bone. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meat to a bowl.

Meanwhile, place lima beans in a large pot; pour in enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil; remove pot from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add celery and onion; cook and stir until onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add cooked ham bone meat, lima beans, and diced ham. Reduce heat and simmer, adding additional water as needed, until soup is thickened to desired consistency, about 90 minutes.

Stir carrots, salt, pepper, and parsley into the soup. Let simmer until carrots are soft, about 30 minutes more.

Recipe Tips

If you don't have a ham bone, you can use 1/2 pound bacon or salt pork instead. Add bacon or pork to the pan over medium heat, and let cook for a few minutes. Add onions and celery; cook and stir until onions are translucent and bacon is cooked, 7 to 10 minutes

You can also soak the beans overnight and skip step 2. Place lima beans into a large container. Cover with several inches of cool water; let soak, 8 hours to overnight.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)