Black Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse beans in running cold water; discard any stones or shriveled beans.
2. 2
   In 6-quart saucepan over high heat, heat beans and salt in 8 cups water to boiling.
3. 3
   Boil for 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove saucepan from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour.
5. 5
   Add ham bone and remaining ingredients.
6. 6
   Over high heat, heat to boiling.
7. 7
   Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
8. 8
   Discard bay leaves.
9. 9
   Remove ham bone from soup to cutting board.
10. 10
    Cut meat from bone into bite size pieces. Return cut up meat to soup; discard bone.
11. 11
    With slotted spoon, remove 1 cup beans to small bowl.
12. 12
    With fork, mash beans.
13. 13
    Return to soup; mix well.
14. 14
    Makes 8 main dish servings.