SENATE BEAN SOUP

A friend said when he was posted in Washington, D.C., he often ate in the Senate dining room and this was his favorite dish. This soup was so popular, that the senate once passed a law saying that it must be served every day in the dining room of the U.S. Senate. I don't know what the penalty was for breaking this law, because it was on the menu every day so no one ever found out.

Senate Bean Soup

1/4 cup oil
2 cups chopped onions (not sweet ones)
1 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
5 small smoked ham hocks
2 quarts water (8 cups)
1 pound navy beans that have been soaked overnight
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons catsup
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Combine these ingredients and place in a large pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to simmer. Cook for 2 hours.
Then add:
2 cups of potatoes, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
1 cup tomato juice
Return to a boil, cover, and reduce to simmer again potatoes and carrots are done, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove ham hocks. If desired, chop lean ham and return to soup. Discard skin and bones.