Quick And Hearty White Bean Soup

Ingredients: 

• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 lb salt meat or ham pieces, chopped
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
• 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
• 3 cans Blue Runner White Navy Beans
• 3 cans water or chicken broth
• 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes
• Salt, black pepper and Cajun Chef Cayenne Pepper to taste

Steps: 

Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, salt meat or ham, sausage and bacon, if using, and cook, stirring, for about five minutes, or until the onions are soft and golden. Add the beans, water or chicken broth, and the tomatoes. Stir to blend. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt, black pepper and cayenne, but be aware that the salt meat, sausage, and bacon and the tomatoes are salty and peppery. Skim off any oil that has risen to the surface then serve hot. Makes about 10 servings.