Senate Navy Bean Soup

Directions

1. 1
   While beans soak, bring ham hocks to boil in 4 quarts water over high heat.
2. 2
   Lower heat and simmer 2 to 3 hours.
3. 3
   In large soup pot, saute onions in 2 tablespoons butter.
4. 4
   Add celery and mashed garlic, stirring.
5. 5
   Add potatoes and 2 cups water from ham hocks.
6. 6
   Cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes.
7. 7
   Add beans, ham hocks, bay leaf and all liquid from beans and ham.
8. 8
   Cover and cook slowly until beans are tender, about 1 hour, adding water if needed. Remove hocks; cut meat from bones in bite size pieces and return to pot.
9. 9
   Salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf.
10. 10
    Add parsley.