Ingredients
1 pound dried great northern beans1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks3 medium onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, minced3 celery ribs, chopped1/4 cup minced fresh parsley1 cup mashed potatoes or 1/3 cup instant potato flakesSalt and pepper to tasteMinced parsley or chives
Preparation
Rinse and sort beans. Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 to 4 hours or until beans are softened.
Drain and rinse, discarding liquid. In a large Dutch oven or soup kettle, place the beans, ham bone or hocks and 3 quarts water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Skim fat if necessary. Add the onions, garlic, celery, parsley, potatoes, salt and pepper; simmer 1 hour longer.
Set aside ham bones until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and return to Dutch oven. Heat through. Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
