How to Make Two Bean Soup and Split Pea and Turkey Ham Soup (Both are also perfect for Diabetics)

Soups are easy to make, they are inexpensive, and they are very nourishing. Here are a couple of recipes that are great soups and they are also perfect for diabetics. Two Bean Soup uses baby Lima beans and great northern beans together for a tasty combination. The Split-Pea and Turkey Ham Soup is a convenient slow-cooker recipe.

TWO-BEAN SOUP

1/2 lb dried baby Lima beans

1/2 lb dried great northern beans

1 (49 1/2 oz) can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 cups cubed cooked lean ham

1 medium onion, chopped

2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped

2 medium carrots, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/8 tsp ground ginger

2 green onions, sliced, optional

Wash beans and remove any bad ones. Place in a large pot or dutch oven and add enough water to cover by 2-inches. Bring to a boil and boil for two minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand one hour.

Drain beans and rinse. Return beans to pot. Add broth and ham; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for one hour. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, ginger and return to a boil. Reduce heat and cover pot. Simmer at least one-half hour or until beans and vegetables are tender. Place in serving bowls and top with green onions for garnish if desired.

Serves 7 Per serving: 215 calories, 31 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 19 g protein

Note: Beans are an excellent food choice for diabetics.

SPLIT PEA AND TURKEY HAM SOUP

6-oz turkey ham, cut into small cubes

1 cup raw green split peas

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 large carrot, peeled and diced

2 stalks celery, trimmed and diced

2 bay leaves

1 large garlic clove, minced

1/4 tsp crushed dried thyme

1/8 tsp black pepper

4 cups no-salt-added chicken broth

In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine all the above ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

4 servings of 1 1/2 cups each = 282 calories, 39 g carbs, 26 g protein

Enjoy!