Amish Bean Soup

Amish Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound navy beans
• 3 quarts water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch baking soda
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1½ pounds ham meat
• 1 cup mashed boiled potato
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme, optional
• 2 tablespoons sauce
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Combine the beans, water, salt and baking soda.
2. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, skim off foam, re-cover, and let stand for 2 hour.
4. Add the remaining ingredients except the parsley and simmer, covered, for about 1½ to 2 hours.
5. Remove the ham bone.
6. Add the parsley just before serving.