1pounddried navy beans(or 3-4 cans (15.5 ounce canned beans))
½onion(chopped)
2clovesgarlic(minced)
1tablespoonolive oil
3+quarts water
1ham bone with some meat still on the bone
Instructions
Soak beans overnight or perform a quick soak by putting beans in a large pot and covering with water 1 inch higher than the level of beans. Bring to a boil then turn off heat and let sit one hour.
Drain the water from soaked or canned beans.
In a large stock pot, heat the oil, onions and garlic over medium heat and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add softened beans, ham bone and 3 quarts of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are very soft.
Remove ham bone. Remove meat from bone and chop into small bits.
Using a hand blender puree the beans until smooth adding additional water if too thick.
If you don't have a hand blender you can pour the beans and water into a blender or food processor and puree in batches.
Add ham to pureed beans and serve.
Notes
This recipe uses navy beans, but you can use other kinds of beans as well as split peas instead.