1 lb. white beans, soak overnight
8 c. water
1 1/2 lb. meaty smoked ham hocks
1 tsp. salt to taste
2 potatoes, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 med. onion
3/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. pepper

Bring 8 cups water and beans to boil. Add ham hocks and salt to taste. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Remove ham hocks and continue to simmer while cutting meat off bones. Return meat to pan. Cook beans until almost tender. Add veggies and spices. Cover and simmer 1 hour.