Zesty Ham And Bean Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 small shallots, chopped small
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 lb ham, chopped small
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
• 2 large carrots, chopped small
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup cheese, grated (optional)

Recipe

• 1 heat oil in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
• 2 add shallots and garlic and cook until beginning to brown, then stir ham into the pot.
• 3 add all canned ingredients, then the carrots and all the spices.
• 4 reduce heat to low and cover pot for one hour.
• 5 add chopped tomatoes and continue to heat on low for 15 - 20 minutes.
• 6 serve in bowls and top with shredded cheese if you like.