BILL'S NAVY BEAN SOUP

Bill's Navy Bean Soup image

Provided by Rose Gates

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Steps:

1. Pick over the dried beans and discard any debris.
2. Wash and drain and put beans in a large pot and cover with water.
3. Let stand 8 hours or overnight.
4. The next day, chop celery, carrots and onions into 1/4-inch pieces. (This is easier with a food processor).
5. Drain beans and add vegetables, 5 cups water, ham hocks or ham bone, and pepper to taste and add salt if you wish.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for 3 hours or until beans are tender.
7. Remove ham hocks and set aside to cool.
8. Remove meat from bones and cut meat into half-inch pieces.
9. Put 2 cups of the soup into a blender along with the butter and flour; puree.
10. Pour this puree back in pan.
11. Puree more of the soup if you prefer a smoother texture and add the chopped ham pieces back into the soup.
12. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until soup is slightly thickened.
13. Good when sprinkled with a few drops of hot pepper sauce just before serving.