Senate Bean Soup

This is an old recipe given to me by my mother. I have tasted different versions but this one is my family's favorite.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dry navy beans
• 1  meaty ham bone
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  cup  chopped celery
• 2⁄3 cup  mashed  potato flakes or 1 1⁄2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped parsley
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pepper
• 1  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1  teaspoon basil
• 1  bay leaf
•  salt, to taste

Directions

1. Wash and sort beans; in large kettle, cover beans with 6-8 c hot water.
2. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes; remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
3. Add another 2 quarts of cold water and ham bone.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
5. Stir in remaining ingredients; simmer 20-30 minutes until beans are tender.
6. Remove ham bone, trim off meat and return meat to soup; remove bay leaf.
7. Serve hot; freezes well.