Senatorial Bean Soup

I can't remember where this recipe comes from, but it is supposed to be the soup that is served in the cafeteria for the senators. I've never tried it, but it sounds good!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  lb dried navy beans, rinsed and sorted
• 10  cups water
• 1⁄2 lb deli ham, slab, cubed
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Warm the oil in a 4-qt. pot over medium heat.Saute the onion until tender. Add the beans, water and ham. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
2. Add salt and pepper.
3. Using a potato masher, squish some of the beans in the soup.