White Bean Soup with Ham

Description
Add a ham bone to White Bean Soup and proceed directly to heaven.
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source: How to Cook Everything
 * Time: at least 1½ hours
 * Makes 8 or more servings

Ingredients

 * 1 ham bone or 2 or 3 smoked ham hocks
 * 3 cups navy, pea, or other dried white beans, washed and picked over
 * 12 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or water
 * 2 medium onions, quartered
 * salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
 * minced fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Directions

 * 1) Place the ham bone, beans, and stock or water together in a large saucepan or casserole and turn the heat to medium-high; add the onions.
 * 2) When this boils, turn the heat down to medium-low and cover partially.
 * 3) Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very soft and any meat falling off the bone, at least 1 hour.
 * 4) Turn off the heat; remove the bone from the pot and let cool slightly.
 * 5) Take all the meat off the bone, chop it, and set it aside.
 * 6) Mash or puree the beans, then return them to the pot along with the ham.
 * 7) Reheat, season to taste, garnish, and serve.