Ham-and-Bean Soup With Fresh Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz.) lean ham steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 tablespoon jarred ham-flavored soup base
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 (15-oz.) cans navy beans, drained
• 2 (15-oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained
• 1 (15 1/2-oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained
• 4 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 lb.)
• 1 (5-oz.) package fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed
• Garnish: Fall Potato Leaves

Preparation

1. 1. Trim fat from ham steak; coarsely chop ham. Reserve bone.
2. 2. Cook ham in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often, 6 to 8 minutes or until browned. Add diced onion, and next 5 ingredients, and sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender.
3. 3. Stir in reserved ham bone, navy beans, and next 3 ingredients; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes. Remove and discard bone before serving. Stir in spinach just before serving. Garnish, if desired.