Recipe: U.S. Senate Bean Soup

1 lb dried white beans & water to soak
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
3 qts water
3 medium onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 c parsley, chopped
1 c cooked mashed potatoes, or 1/3 c instant flakes
1/4 t pepper, and salt to taste

Soak beans overnight. Drain and place them with the ham in a large (5 qt) pot. Add 3 qts water. Boil, reduce heat and simmer over low heat 2 hrs.
Add chpped vegetables and potato. Simmer 1 hr longer, or until beans are tender.
Season s & p. Remove the bones & meat. Dice meat & return to pot.

The House Version: Only beans, ham and seasoning. The beans are bruised with a spoon to barely cloud the soup before serving.