Senate Bean Soup

So apparently there is this soup served at the Senate that is very popular.  I don't know, I've never been there but this is a good soup.  And CHEAP!  It cost about $5 for me to make the whole pot and it was a BIG pot!  The only struggle I have with soups like this one is getting the saltiness just right when using ham to season the soup.  I'm not sure if there is a trick to it or just luck.  Well mine turned out OK but I wouldn't have wanted it any saltier.  We'll make this again this winter for sure.

Senate Bean Soup

1 bag dried Great Northern Beans
2 ham hocks (or leftover ham but you'll need some ham base too)
12 c water divided
1/2 c diced onion
1/2 c diced carrots
1T oil
1t garlic powder
salt/pepper

Soak beans overnight according to package directions.  Next day saute onions and carrots in oil.  Simmer ham hocks in 4 c water for 45 min.  If you are using leftover ham skip this step and use the ham base to make 4 c ham stock.  Pull meat off of bones and add back to pot with onions, carrots, drained beans, garlic powder, and 8 c of water.  Bring soup to a boil and then simmer on low for 1 1/2 hrs.  About halfway through cooking taste for salt and pepper.