My latest, simplest, bestest bean soup

Yes, I really love bean soup.

The Bestest Bean Soup

1 lb navy beans (approx. 2 cups)

2 qt water

1 6 oz can tomato paste

2 Tbs Better Than Bouillon™ Ham Base

6 slices uncooked bacon, diced

1 cup carrots, finely grated

1 1/2 Tbs onion powder

2/3 cup instant mashed potatoes

salt to taste

Put the beans in a large pot and cover with 2 to 3 qts of water.  Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for an hour.  Drain and rinse.

Put the beans, water, tomato paste, ham base, bacon, carrots, and onion powder in a large pot.  Bring to a boil and then lower the heat.  Simmer for 90 minutes or until the beans are tender.

Add the instant mashed potatoes and stir.  Salt to taste.

Tasty and simple to make. Easily adaptable for a crockpot.

Comments

[Margaret]

I don't know about the bacon in the soup. I'm not a fan of it, although I love bacon. It gets too soggy sometimes. I can't stand that.

[ally bean]

I always liked the Joy of Cooking recipe for US Senate Bean Soup which has mashed potatoes in it. Your recipe looks much easier than the one I've been using-- and has a much better name, Bestest Bean Soup.

[Mike]

Margaret, I made the recipe up as I went along. Because of the ham base I don't think I, or anyone, would miss the bacon if it wasn't there.

Ally, besides being easier instant mashed potatoes give the soup a smoother finish than real mashed potatoes do.

[Audra]

That sounds fabulous!