Amish Bean Soup

Ingredients

 * 1 pound navy beans
 * 3 quarts water
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1 pinch baking soda
 * 1/2 cup shredded carrot
 * 1 cup chopped celery
 * 2 medium onions, chopped
 * 2 bay leaves
 * 1 1/2 pound ham meat
 * 1 cup mashed boiled potato
 * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
 * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
 * 2 tablespoons sauce
 * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

 * Combine the beans, water, salt and baking soda.
 * Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
 * Remove from the heat, skim off foam, re-cover, and let stand for 2 hour.
 * Add the remaining ingredients except the parsley and simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
 * Remove the ham bone.
 * Add the parsley just before serving.