Recipe(tried): 49'er Soup

49'er Soup

l/4 lb. smoky lean bacon, cut in 1/2 inch pieces or any sort of sausage may be substituted
3 med. onions, chopped coarsely
l (14 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
2 (l6 oz.) cans white beans ( I use vegetarian beans)
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 ribs celery, cut in l" matchstick
2 med. carrots, cut in l" matchstick
4 c. water
2 to 4 tsp. au jus or beef bouillon base
1 Tbs. dried basil
2 Tbs. Mrs. Dash or similair herb seasoning
l/4 tsp. salt

Fry bacon or sausage until soft and rendered; remove with slotted spoon to soup pot. Cook onion and garlic until soft but not brown. Add to pot. Add remaining ingredients except beans and cook slowly until vegetables are almost tender. Add beans and simmer 10 min. longer.

Serve with corn meal bread or muffins and cole slaw.