My favorite comfort food of all time is soup. Green Bean Soup, in particular, tops the list. This usually draws a few raised eyebrows. I get responses that range from, "Green beans in soup? Sounds gross," to "I've never heard of it." Perhaps this isn't too surprising; green bean soup is a traditional Mennonite soup that hails, I believe, from Germany.  Whenever I think of this soup I have a particular memory of driving the four hours from Iowa (where I went to college) to central Minnesota (where my family lives) and walking through the door to be greeted by the smell of smokey savory deliciousness. This soup is great year-round, but especially when green beans are at their freshest. 

Green Bean Soup

 3 cups potatoes, 1/2 in. cube

2 1/2 cups fresh green beans, cut in half 

1 medium onion, diced

2 1/2 cups ham, 1/2 in. cubes

7 cups water

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 t. liquid smoke

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 t. summer savory

1 T. olive oil

In a large pot, saute onions, summer savory, and pepper in olive oil until translucent. Add ham, vinegar, liquid smoke, and water to the onion. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add green beans and potatoes and cook until lightly tender.  Serve hot with sour cream on top.