Senate Bean Soup

Rinse beans in hot water until they whiten. Place beans in large stockpot, add water and bring to boil.

In separate small saute pan, heat butter and saute onion until lightly browned. Add to the pot of beans with ham hocks. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.

With 30 minutes remaining, remove ham hocks and let cool. Dice meat and return to soup. Add salt and pepper and increase heat to bring soup to boiling before serving.