Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried great northern beans
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
• 3 medium onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup mashed potatoes or 1/3 cup instant potato flakes
• salt & pepper to taste
• Parsley or chives for garnish

Directions

Place beans and enough water to cover in a saucepan; bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans. In a large kettle, place beans, ham bone or hocks and 3 qts. water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours. Skim fat if necessary. Add onions, garlic, celery, parsley, potatoes, salt and pepper; simmer 1 hour longer. Remove meat and bones from the soup. Remove meat from the bones; dice and return to kettle. Heat through. Garnish with parsley or chives. 8-10 servings.

By Robin from Washington, IA