Italian Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. small red beans (1 lb.)
8 c. water
1 clove garlic
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 c. celery, finely chopped
1 can tomatoes (14 oz.)
3 lb. fully cooked bone in ham
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. parsley, minced

Preparation

Put beans in water; boil 2 minutes.
Remove; cover and let stand 1 hour.
Add garlic, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes and ham.
Bring mix to boil; reduce to simmer and cover.
Cook 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beans mash easily.
Remove ham bone.
Coarsely chop ham and blend 1/2 of soup mix until smooth.
Add to rest of soup and ham.
Cook 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat.
Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley.