Spanish Bean Soup
["1/2 tsp. oil", "1 medium onion, chopped", "6 cloves garlic, chopped", "3 cans chicken broth", "2 c. water", "2 slices ham, cubed (approximately 4 oz.)", "2 cans chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained", "2 potatoes, cut into large cubes", "2 chorizo sausage links, sliced", "1/8 tsp. saffron (optional)"]
["Heat oil on medium; saute onion and garlic for 1 minute.", "Add remaining ingredients.", "Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer for at least 2 hours.", "Let cool slightly before serving for maximum flavor.", "Serve with toasted Cuban or French bread for dipping."]
["oil", "onion", "garlic", "chicken broth", "water", "ham", "chickpeas", "potatoes", "sausage links", "saffron"]