Green Bean Soup

I grew up eating this soup. My Mom and Grandmas were sure to make a pot of this soup when the beans were ready in the garden. My Grandma actually brought me a jar last week. Delicious! A few days ago I picked my first beans from my own garden (although mostly yellow, a few green), so I thought I'd whip up a pot for us to enjoy. So easy to make with all the fresh vegetables starting to become ready for picking.
- 2 quarts water
- 1/2 cup chopped sausage or ham
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups green (or yellow) beans, cut into small pieces, ends removed
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh parsley*
- Summer savory (a few sprigs)

Add sausage/ham, vegetables and herbs and cook gently until vegetables are tender. As with most soups, tastes better the next day. Leave herbs in pot so flavors can mesh.
Add a few tablespoons of cream, just before serving.
* I didn't have fresh parsley available, so I left it out. Would make a nice addition though.