Ingredients

　　1 pound Great Northern beans, rinsed and picked over

　　2 quarts (8 cups) water

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1 cup diced cooked ham (not sugar-cured)

　　1 medium yellow onion, chopped

　　1 clove garlic, chopped

　　1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

　　Salt and ground black pepper to taste

　　Combine the beans and water in a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, combine the oil, ham, onion, and garlic in a medium nonstick skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat until the meat has browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the contents of the skillet to the beans, along with the rosemary, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook until the beans are slightly tender, about 1 hour, adding more water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.

　　Cooks' Note

　　Great Northerns supply almost 20 percent of your daily iron requirement. You can season all varieties of dried beans with fresh herbs. Choose herbs that complement the dishes that will go with the beans; see pages 38 to 47 for recommendations on how to season various foods.

　　Sugar Busters! Quick & Easy Cookbook