Creamy Green Bean Soup

8 cups water

2 pounds chopped fully-cooked ham

4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces

3 cups cubed potatoes

2 onions, sliced

1 cup cream

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Place the water, ham, green beans, potatoes, and onions into a large saucepan or soup pot, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the ham and vegetables are very tender, about 45 minutes. Skim off any excess fat. Pour in the cream, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.