White Bean and Ham Soup

My mom and dad used to make this while I was growing up and I loved it!

1 lb of white beans - Canellini or Great Northern
2 quarts of water
2-3 lbs of ham shanks (preferred to ham hocks because the shanks have more meat, or whatever you have works:), each shank cut into 2 or 3 sections
1 cup of diced onions
2 cloves garlic, diced
Tabasco sauce
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley

- Soak the beans in at least 2 quarts of cold water for about 2 hrs. Drain the water.
- Put the ham shank pieces in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and simmer for about an hour. Add the beans. Cook for another hour, until the ham meat easily pulls away from the bone.
- Add several drops of Tabasco to taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a pinch of chopped fresh parsley.
- You can also put carrots or any veggies that you like in it.