Scrumptious Ham And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb small dry white bean (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
2 lbs lean ham, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 bay leaf
6 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
pepper

Preparation

Soak beans overnight or prepare the quicker way by bringing to a boil and then letting them sit for 1 hour. The instructions are on the package.
In a 6-8 quart pot, heat oil, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until onions are soft(about 10 minutes).
Add rest of ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2-2 1/2 hours.
Whirl about half the mixture in a blender or food processor or mash with a potato masher to thicken the soup.