1 lb. dried beans (Navy or pea)
1 meaty ham bone
3 med. potatoes, peeled & diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 c. diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste

Cover beans with cold water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for 1 hour. Drain. Add 2 quarts of fresh water to beans. Add ham bone. Bring to a boil and skim. Cover and simmer 2 hours until beans start to fall apart.

Add potatoes, onion, celery and garlic. Simmer 1 hour longer. Remove ham bone. Chop meat and return to soup.