The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup

Well, our senate is doing something right. Or, shall I say, the senate's staff is doing something right! This bean and ham soup is delicious! My husband had two servings and said he wouldn't change a thing in the soup. That's high praise, I'm telling you. So interesting to see how 2 pounds of beans, 1 onion, and a ham bone can go so far. Simple food made delicious once again.

The Famous Senate Restaurant Bean Soup Recipe

2 pounds dried navy beans
four quarts hot water
1 1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste

Wash the navy beans and run hot water through them until they are slightly whitened. Place beans into pot with hot water. Add ham hocks and simmer approximately three hours in a covered pot, stirring occasionally. Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool. Dice meat and return to soup. Lightly brown the onion in butter. Add to soup. Before serving, bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Serves 8.