7 c. water
2 c. cubed cooked ham
1 sm. onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
1 lb. dried pea beans (2 c.)
1 ham bone
1 bay leaf

In Dutch oven, combine water and beans, and add all the rest of the ingredients. Heat to boiling, boil for about 2 minutes, then reduce heat, cover and simmer. Skim off foam occasionally, and continue to simmer until beans are tender, 1 1/2 hours. DO NOT BOIL OR BEANS WILL BURST. Add water during cooking, if needed. Remove ham bone and trim meat from bone, adding this to the soup. Makes 7 servings. of 1 cup each.