Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Rinse the beans, checking for stones and debris.
  2. Soak beans overnight.
  3. Saute bacon until crisp, drain.
  4. Add carrots, celery, onions and garlic to bacon grease.
  5. Saute 5-10minutes.
  6. Drain beans.
  7. Put in bean soup pot along with carrots, celery, onions and garlic.
  8. Add the cooked bacon.
  9. Add the ham hock, tomato sauce and water.
  10. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 2 1/2 hours until beans are soft.
  11. Remove the ham hock and pull the meat from the bone.
  12. Chop and return meat to the soup.
  13. Remove 1/4th to 1/3rd of the beans, mash or puree.
  14. Return to pot and simmer another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  15. Skim off unwanted grease.
  16. Season with salt and pepper.
  17. Serve.