QUILTER'S CALICO BEAN SOUP

 

1/2 cup dry navy beans
1/2 cup dry black beans
1/2 cup dry lima beans
1/2 cup dry garbanzo beans
1/2 cup dry split peas
6 cups water
2 cups chopped ham
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 bay leaves
6 cups water

Rinse and drain all the beans.

In a large pot, combine the beans with the first 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, simmer 10 minutes, uncovered.  Drain and rinse.

In a crock pot or slow cooker combine the beans, ham, onion, carrot, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and the second 6 cups of water.  Place lid on cooker and cook 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

Note: 2 1/2 cups of any combination of dried beans may be used rather than the ones listed above.

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