1 cup dry navy beans

1 meaty ham bone

water

2 T ham flavored soup base

1 large onion, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

4 medium carrots, sliced

4 medium potatoes, diced

Salt and pepper to taste



Place beans and ham bone in 5 quart kettle.  Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat and cook until beans are almost tender.  Remove ham bone and set aside.  To soup add: onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, soup base, salt, and pepper.  Cook until carrots and potatoes are tender.  Meanwhile, remove meat from bones and add to soup.  Serve with crackers or fresh baked bread. 



For thicker soup, let beans get fully tender before adding remaining ingredients.