Danish Skipperlabskovs

Cut beef in one inch cubes.  Chop onions finely, peel and cut the potatoes.  Brown 2 tablespoons butter in a thick-bottom saucepan, turn meat in butter until just coloured.  Add onions and simmer until transparent.  Add potatoes and bay leaves and add water to cover. Simmer gently until all potatoes have mashed up. 

Add the chopped ham before serving.  Season with salt and serve topped with a lump of butter mixed with finely chopped parsley.