Best Ever Navy Bean Soup

5 O'Clock Somewhere's Note:

This is my easiest soup and so good. Of all the soups I make, my family says it's my best! The preparation seems lengthy but it's just a matter of getting the beans into water at bedtime and simmering everything for a few hours the next day!

• Total Time: 27 hrs
• Prep Time: 24 hrs
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 cups dried navy beans (white beans)
• 8 cups water
• 2 onions , chopped
• 3 garlic cloves , sliced
• 1 stalk celery , chopped (slice the leaves into it too)
• 1 ham , bone & leftovers
• 4 slices bacon , cut up
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄8; teaspoon thyme (optional)

Directions:

1. Pick over and wash beans. Soak overnight in water in large cooking kettle. In morning, add onions, garlic, celery and ham bone. Put kettle on medium heat, bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 3-4 hours More water may be needed but should be quite thick. Taste soup and season: salt needed will depend on ham bone's contribution.