1 lb. dry white beans (Great Northern or Navy)
3 1/2 qts. water
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 lb. ham, cooked and cubed
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/4 celery, minced
1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. spaghetti, broken
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

Combine beans and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Return to medium heat and add olive oil, ham, onion, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 hours. Then add spaghetti and simmer 10 to 15 minutes until tender. Serve in soup bowl and top with generous spoonfuls of Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 to 6.