Red Bean Soup

Description
This came from a Cajun Cookbook that my friend had loaned to me. The prep. time does not include soaking the beans overnight.

Ingredients

 * 2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
 * 2 tablespoons butter
 * 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
 * 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
 * 1 stalk celery and leaves, chopped
 * 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
 * ½ lb smoked ham, cut into large chunks
 * 1 large ham bone, if available
 * 2 quarts water
 * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
 * ½ teaspoon dried thyme
 * 2 bay leaves
 * 2 tablespoons lemon juice
 * ⅛ teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
 * salt and pepper
 * chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)

Directions

 * 1) Put the beans in a saucepan, cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
 * 2) Boil for 10 minutes and drain.
 * 3) Set aside.
 * 4) Melt the butter in a dutch oven or very large saucepan and cook the onion, garlic, celery and carrot, covered, until softened.
 * 5) Add the beans, ham, ham bone, water, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, lemon juice, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
 * 6) Bring to a boil and simmer 2 hours or until beans are very soft.
 * 7) Discard the ham bone.
 * 8) Scoop out the chunks of ham and reserve.
 * 9) Press the soup through a fine sieve and return it to the saucepan.
 * 10) Discard the solids in the sieve.
 * 11) Cut the chunks of ham into small dice and add to the soup.
 * 12) Reheat, and taste and adjust the seasonings.
 * 13) Serve hot, sprinkled with a little parsley.