Famous Senate Bean Soup

1 pound dry navy beans, cooked (or 2-3 cans of prepared navy beans)
Add enough water to make a nice soup consistency.
2 cups diced ham, if desired
1 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup celery, chopped
2/3 cup mashed potato flakes
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1 bay leaf

Combine ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Store: Navy or white beans, dried onion and celery, mashed potato flakes, diced ham.