Ingredients

1 pound dry great Northern beans
½ pound cooked ham, diced
1 small onion, diced
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups water, or as needed to cover
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Rinse beans; transfer to a large stockpot. Cover with cold water and let stand overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse beans.

Return beans to stockpot; add ham, onion, sugar, parsley, and cayenne pepper. Pour in enough water to cover and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer until beans are tender, adding more water if needed, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.