Down Home Navy Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. dried navy beans
2 ham hocks or seasoning meat of your choice
1 stalk celery, diced
1 small bay leaf
1 medium onion, diced
1 (17 oz.) diced stewed tomatoes
salt and pepper

Preparation

Wash beans well, cover with cold water and soak for 2 hours. Place meat in pot and cover with water.
Bring to a boil.
Add celery, onion, bay leaf and navy beans.
Cover pot and cook slowly until beans are almost done.
Add salt, pepper and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and then simmer until beans are very tender.
If necessary, add more water and a small can of tomatoes (diced).