1 lb. dried lima beans
A ham bone, some meat remaining
4-5 cloves garlic, ,minced
2 cups onion, diced
2 cup carrots, diced
2 strips bacon, lean salt pork or pancetta
salt and pepper, to taste

Saute diced bacon, salt pork, pancetta, or ham until browned on edges. Add onions and continue to sauté until clear, adding garlic at the last minute.

Add carrots, beans, and ham bone. Cover with water. Simmer approximately 3 hours until beans are tender and soup thickens.

Extra added water may be needed during the course of the cooking.

Remove meat from bone, adding back to the soup. For a heartier soup, add ziti, elbows or thick spaghetti.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.