Veggie "Ham" and Bean Soup

With it starting to snow, Sunday seemed like a great to make soup to go with

• Gluten Free Sourdough Cornbread

This is one of those "you really don't need to measure" dishes.  Plus it turned out deliciously thick and creamy without ANY flour or other gluten-containing thickener and there is no added salt (just what was in the ham)  I'll tell you my secret soon.

Since it was just two of us and my husband was going to be gone for two weeks on business. I made enough for 5-6 bowls.  If you want more, this easily doubles.

Gluten and Soy Free "Ham "and Bean Soup (lower sodium)

1/2  of a 16-ounce bag of dry navy beans, sorted for any stones or debris then soak in water overnight.

1/3 sweet onion chopped (if you don't like onion, add extra celery)
a handful of chopped celery and carrots (optional, I just had some in the fridge).
large handful of chopped Yves Brand "ham" veggie protein.

Mrs. Dash Original seasoning (I use about 6 shakes)
black pepper (about 3 shakes)
crushed red pepper (2 shakes)
pinch of Sage

After beans have soaked overnight, drain water.  Put beans in a deep saucepan (if they aren't already in one) and cover with FRESH water - enough so there are 2 inches of water over the beans. Make sure the pan is big enough so that as the beans cook and expand there is room.

Bring to a boil on high, reduce heat to medium.kiw, cover and simmer for an hour.

Add veggies and seasoning, stir and simmer another 30-60 minutes (check at 30 minutes, beans are nearing done when they are soft and will "squish" if pressed in a spoon with another spoon).

Carefully remove (as its hot!) with a large ladle about 1 and 1/2 cup of beans and liquid plucking out any larger veggie bits to go back into the pot.  Warm your blender jar with warm water so the heat from the soup doesn't shock the glass, then add beans and liquid to the jar and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Stir this mixture back into the soup, adding the "ham".  Taste and season more if you wish.

Heat uncovered until ham is heated through and beans are fairly soft. (on my old gas stove it was 2 and 1/2 hours total cook time from stove to finish, but will vary by stove and water amount).