Cheesy Bean Soup

Cheese boosts the flavor and nutrition of bean soup without breaking the budget. Almost a meal by itself, simply add a salad and/or seasonal fruit, some hot bread and a beverage for a complete and comforting meal.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups dried navy beans
7 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups Wisconsin Aged Cheddar cheese, cubed

Cooking Directions:

1. Wash beans; cover with 4 cups of water and soak overnight. Next day, drain beans and add 7 cups water and salt. Simmer over low heat for about 3 hours.
2. In heavy saucepan, melt butter. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce and sugar. Blend in thyme, oregano, bay leaf and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Combine tomato mixture with beans during the last hour of cooking time.
5. When beans are tender, add cheese cubes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.