Yankee Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups dried navy beans
• 1/2 pound sliced bacon, diced
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/3 cup chopped celery leaves
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons molasses
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions

• Place the beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
• Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Set beans aside. In the same pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.
• In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in carrot and celery leaves. Return beans to the pan. Add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
• Stir in the milk, molasses, salt and bacon. Remove about 2-1/2 cups of soup; cool slightly. Place in a blender or food processor; cover and process until pureed. Return to the pan; heat through. Yield: 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 315 calories, 10 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 22 mg cholesterol, 847 mg sodium, 40 g carbohydrate, 13 g fiber, 18 g protein.