Ingredients
1 pound dried great northern beans1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks8 cups water1 large onion, chopped3 celery ribs, diced2 medium carrots, shreddedSalt to taste1/2 teaspoon pepper1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree2 tablespoons brown sugar1-1/2 cups finely shredded fresh spinach
Preparation
Soak beans according to package directions. In a Dutch oven, bring the beans, ham bone and water to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat easily falls off the bone.
Remove bone from broth; cool. Trim meat from the bone. Discard bone. Add the meat, onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper and thyme to broth. Cover and cook for 30-60 minutes or until beans and vegetables are tender.
Add tomatoes and brown sugar. Cook 10 minutes longer. Just before serving, add spinach.
