Senate Bean Soup

• dry navy beans↗1 lb
• meaty ham bone↗1
• chopped onion1 cup
• garlic cloves, minced↗2
• chopped celery1 cup
• mashed potato flakes or 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes2⁄3 cup
• chopped parsley1⁄4 cup
• pepper↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• ground nutmeg↗1 teaspoon
• oregano↗1 teaspoon
• basil↗1 teaspoon
• bay leaf↗1
• salt, to taste↗

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash and sort beans; in large kettle, cover beans with 6-8 c hot water.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes; remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.

3. 3

   Add another 2 quarts of cold water and ham bone.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

5. 5

   Stir in remaining ingredients; simmer 20-30 minutes until beans are tender.

6. 6

   Remove ham bone, trim off meat and return meat to soup; remove bay leaf.

7. 7

   Serve hot; freezes well.