Our Family's Navy Bean Soup

We got this recipe from AllRecipes.com, but after making so many changes we've claimed it as a family favorite! Even kids yum it up!

• Ready In: 4 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 9

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package dried navy beans
• 6  cups water
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes (garlic & onion)
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  stalks celery (finely minced)
• 1  garlic clove (minced)
• 1⁄2 lb ham (finely chopped)
• 1  tablespoon  of chicken flavored better than bouillon
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1  tablespoon parsley (dried)
• 2  teaspoons garlic powder
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3  cups water

Directions

1. Combine beans, water, tomatoes, onion, celery, garlic, ham, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic, and bay leaf in a stock pot; bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for two hours.
2. Add additional water. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional two hours. Discard bay leaf.
3. ****if time allows, I often make a ham stock instead of using the bouillon and 1/2lb of ham. My family just prefers this to chunks of meat in a soup. I'll add the traditional stock ingredients and then use that to proceed with the soup recipe -- it's MUCH more flavorful this way. I'll also use the little flavor packet that comes with the navy beans. ****.