Lima Bean Soup

This first recipe comes from Crystal and at first when i read through the recipe, it didn't sound the greatest, but i made it and it was sooo yummy! it is a big hit! if you make it up early and let it sit a while, it thickens up great!

Lima Bean Soup
Crystal Miller

2 cups dry lima beans
5 to 6 cups water
2 t. salt
1 small onion, chopped
1 T olive oil
1 cup chopped ham
1 chicken bullion cube (i think i used more)
1 14oz. can diced tomatoes
¼ t. pepper
1 cup milk

In a large stock pot put lima beans, water (the lesser amount) and salt. Bring to boil and simmer until lima beans are soft (1 ½ to 2 hours). Adding more water if it seems to be running low. While beans are cooking fry the chopped onion in the olive oil until onion is soft. Set aside. When the beans have finished cooking add cooked onions, ham, bullion cube, tomato and pepper. Stir will. Add milk and heat until just warm. Serve with fresh homemade bread and a nice green salad