Black Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dried black beans
8 c. cold water
2 medium onions, chopped
1/4 c. butter
2 bay leaves
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp. parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper
1 ham hock

Preparation

Cover beans with cold water.
Saute garlic, onions and parsley in butter.
Add to other ingredients.
(If you don't want to bother with this, just dump everything in and boil.
I've tried it both ways and can't tell any real difference.)
Boil until beans are tender and soup is thick.
Serve topped with chopped onions, sour cream and grated cheese.
Serves 6 to 8.