This was really good, it did take forever for the beans to get done though. It ended up turning out to be more like stew it was so thick. It was very flavorful and my husband (who does not like beans) ate two bowls of it.

This is a great recipe but I must admit I did make a few small changes...I added 2 stalks of celery, a bay leaf, 1 t. of garlic powder. I also set out a bottle of ketchup for those who prefer it instead of adding it directly to the mix. (Just a small amount of ketchup absolutely MAKES bean soup...the country restaurant here serves theirs with a dallop in the center!!) Also, I combined everything in my crock pot and cooked on low for 6 hours.....therefore no boiling...so easy & so good with cornbread!

After reading the "most helpful" reviews, this was my approach: 1.) Subsituted 2 packets of ham bouillon (each packet=1/4 lb. of ham) 2.) Added chopped celery (carrot sticks and celery sticks were purchased together already cut at WalMart) 3.) Added 2 cups of diced potatoes 4.) Added two tsps. of garlic, and approx. 1 tsp. of the following: basil, oregano, thyme, black pepper and seasalt, as well as 2-3 bay leaves. 5.) Left out the ketchup, as I was confused as to "why" to use it 6.) Tossed everything in the crock pot with 8 cups of water (per the original recipie) and let cook (KEEP TEMP LOW!!!!)for 7 hours. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS AND NUTRICIOUS!!!!!! However, the morning after eating the soup, I realized my system was apparently ill-prepared to break down the beans, so I decided to add 7 drops of BEANO to each new serving (which solved the problem...) Will probably make at least twice a month from now on!

Very good and simple to make. Adding meat (I added hot italian sausage) is a must.

The basic recipe was fine. I added dry oregeno, thyme, basil, and a bay leaf. I also added 4 whole garlic cloves and used chicken boullion instead of plain water. I didn't add the ketcup.

I love bean soups, but this one lacked flavor. Will make again, but sub veggie or chicken broth for the water.

I searched high and low for a bean soup like my mom used to make. This is it! So easy and tasty. I always cook it with a smoked shank or ham hock added for a little smokey flavor. Just removed before serving. I make this soup all the time in the winter months.

I boiled a ham bone in the water, strained, then skimmed the fat and put the ham pieces back in for more ham flavor. Also used canned great northerns rinsed instead of dried. Excellent!

I used 2 cups of veg broth and reduced by 2 cups of water total. Everyone loves it!

I thought this soup was okay. I followed the recipe almost exactly... I forgot to add the ketchup, but since it was just to "get the desired color" I guess I didn't miss out on the taste. I added salt and pepper, but it still seemed bland. Could use a few more spices, but it definitely gets points for the nutrition factor!

I tweaked this recipe a bit and my family loved it! I used a 15 bean mix (soaked overnight and drained); added some bacon along with the ham, add decreased the water by a few cups. I also used chicken broth and some left-over gravy in place of some of the water.

I give this 4 stars since I found the instructions a little confusing - do you drain the soak water from the beans and then add a fresh 8 c or do you re-use the soaking water for the soup and add more to cover the beans? The directions on the bag of beans said after soaking to use fresh water, so I did, but then it was very watery after cooking for 6 hours - did not look appetizing. Luckily after letting the soup cool overnight more water absorbed and it ended up the perfect consistency. I also cubed a 1 lb ham slice and doubled the carrots for a heartier soup.

Good soup for a cold winters day. I used what was leftover from a picnic ham and just placed the whole thing, bone and all, in with the beans. The last hour I removed the meat from the bone. Put the ham into the pot and threw away the bones. It brought back memories of my Mothers bean soup. Thanks Chris, this is a keeper recipe!

This was a wonderfully flavorful and easy soup. Make sure to soak dry beans as they still take almost six hours of cooking to soften. I added a smoked pork hock during cooking. Watch your water level and add water as you go to make sure you end up with enough servings at your preferred consistency.

Quick, easy and fun to make with kids. Delicious, without being too fancy. Makes a great winter meal with some crusty bread.