Costner's Navy Bean Soup

• 1 lb dried navy beans
• 4 -5 cups water, to cover
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 ham steak, chopped
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 -2 potato, cubed, no need to peel
• 2 carrots, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a stock pot, add navy beans, water to cover, onion, ham steak, ham hocks, garlic, bay leaves and celery.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
3. Add potatoes and carrots and cook on medium low until carrots and potatoes are tender (about 35 to 40 minutes).
4. Remove ham hocks and shred or just tear meat off of bone and add to soup.
5. Add salt and ground pepper to taste.
6. Serve and sit back so you may enjoy the smiles on everyone's face.
7. This really is a "keeper".
8. ENJOY!

beans, water, onion, ham steak, ham hocks, garlic, bay leaves, stalks celery, potato, carrots, salt

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/costners-navy-bean-soup-220401 (may not work)