Senate Bean Soup

This is the time of year for hearty soups and the following recipe is my favorite bean soup. I got the recipe from a bag of dried navy beans.





16 oz. dried navy beans prepared by soaking them in a large deep pot with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Let the beans soak overnight or at least 6 to 8 hours.


OR for QUICK SOAKING, boil the water-covered beans for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat. Place a lid on the boiled beans and let stand for 1 hour.





ADD the following to the pot:





1 to 1 1/2 smoked ham shank and 2 quarts water. Simmer covered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.


Remove 1 cup beans and mash well. Return mashed beans to the pot and add the following ingredients to the pot.





1 cup chopped onion


1 cup chopped celery


1/4 teaspoon pepper


1 teaspoon nutmeg


1 teaspoon oregano leaves


1 teaspoon basil leaves


1 teaspoon salt





Simmer an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. Makes 10 (1 cup) servings.