Navy Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dried navy beans
1/8 tsp. baking soda
5 c. water
1/2 c. celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped carrots
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 chicken flavored bouillon cube
1/2 c. diced, cooked ham
1 bay leaf

Preparation

Sort and wash beans.
Combine beans and soda in a deep 3-quart casserole.
Cover with water 2-inches above beans; let soak overnight.
Drain beans.
Combine beans, 5 cups water and next 5 ingredients.
Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap and microwave on High for 15 minutes or until boiling.
Add ham and bay leaf. Reduce to Medium-low (30 percent) power; cover and microwave for 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Remove and discard bay leaf.