Tasty Tuesday: Simple Southern Ham and Bean Soup

Today's Tasty Tuesday meal is Paula Deen's "Simple Southern Ham and Bean Soup". I recently tasted a bean soup this past summer, and must I say it was delicious! I shall say there is nothing like a bean soup with good juicy meats. I know some people don't eat pork, but you can substitute the ham for any of your other favorite meats. Paula Deen is such a great chef, I don't think any of her meals is not a 5 star cuisine. Read after the jump for the ingredients and recipe. Enjoy.  

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for topping
1 small onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 1/2 cups leftover ham, diced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or homemade)
1 bay leaf
4 cups fresh collard greens, cut into thin ribbons (can substitute one can of cooked collard greens)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 tablespoons butter for garnish

Directions

In a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium heat, cook onion, garlic, ham, and thyme in oil and butter, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes.

Add beans, broth, bay leaf, collards, salt and pepper (to taste) and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes, so the flavors can develop. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve in soup bowls and garnish with a tablespoon of butter on top.

Servings: 6 to 8
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Difficulty: Easy

Thanks to Paula Deen for this great delicious meal. Check out the recipe link here at Simple Southern Ham and Bean Soup Link