Grandmas Traditional Bean Soup Recipe A Hug in a Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) dried mixed beans (navy, pinto, kidney, Great Northern)
• 8 cups (2 liters) water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound/450g) OR 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)