Cozy Comfort: Hearty Ham and Bean Soup Recipe for Chilly Days - Dave's Grill

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced ham (or 1 ham bone or hock for more flavor)
• 1 lb dried navy or Great Northern beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce or diced tomatoes (optional)