Soak the beans in water overnight. Next, melt butter in a pot and add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, 4-5 minutes.
1
Remove half of the vegetables from the pot and add them to a blender. Puree until smooth and lump free.
2
Next add rinsed beans, water, garlic powder, ham bone, bay leaves, fresh thyme and pureed vegetables to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 1 hour covered or until the beans are tender.
3
Add the potato and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4