Senate Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse the beans in hot water until they are white.
2. 2
   Place them in a stockpot, add the water, and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 hours.
4. 4
   Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
5. 5
   Saute the onion until lightly browned.
6. 6
   Add the onion to the pot of beans.
7. 7
   Remove 2 cups of the bean mixture, puree in a blender, and return to the soup.
8. 8
   Add to ham to soup mixture.
9. 9
   Just before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
10. 10
    Garnish with parsley.
11. 11
    *Cook's note: This recipe can also be made with ham hock.