Paula Dean Bean and Ham Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for topping
1 small onion, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 1/2 cups leftover ham, diced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or homemade)
1 bay leaf
4 cups fresh collard greens, cut into thin ribbons (can substitute one can of cooked collard greens)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

n a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium heat, cook onion, garlic, ham, and thyme in oil and butter, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 4 minutes.
Add beans, broth, bay leaf, collards, salt and pepper (to taste) and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes, so the flavors can develop. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve in soup bowls and garnish with a tablespoon of butter on top.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user TWINKIEMOMSF.