Step #1 1 Lb (2 c) navy beans -- : dried 2 1/2 qt water 1 meaty ham bone -- 1 1/2 Lbs 1 clove garlic -- minced 1 sm bay leaf 1 c cubed potatoes 1 c celery -- thinly sliced 1 c onion -- finely sliced 1 c carrots -- cubed : salt & pepper -- to taste Boil the beans in the water for 2 mins before removing them from the heat to let this stand for 1 hr.
Step #2 Then add the ham bone, garlic and bay leaf to the beans, & cover & let simmer them for 2 hrs or until the ingredients are almost tender.
Step #3 Add the vegetables & salt and pepper to taste, & let simmer them for 1 hr longer.
Step #4 Remove the ham bone, cut off the meat & dice it to add to the beans.
Step #5 Reheat the soup almost to boiling, then remove the bay leaf.