Real bean soup is made only with Navy Beans. Put a pound in a big pot full of water. Throw in a hand full of country ham trimmings (including a lot of lean). Boil 2 or 3 hours, frequently adding water, until beans are done. Pick out ham and remove fat. Chop lean into small pieces and return to pot.

Fine chop a large onion and 2 celery stalks and add to pot. Add a finely chopped carrot for aesthetic purposes. A small finely chopped sweet red pepper and some chopped fresh parsley will make it look even prettier. Dash in some ground red pepper or hot sauce and cook until vegetables are done and desired consistency is reached. Salt and pepper to taste.