Navy Bean, Bacon and Spinach Soup (Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker or Stove Top)

INSTANT POT

1. In a blender, blend 1 can of beans with 1 cup of water.
2. Press Saute button then cook the bacon until crisp. Set aside on paper towels.
3. Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste then add the pureed beans, beans, broth, rosemary and bay leaves.
4. Cook on high pressure 15 minutes. Let the pressure release, remove rosemary and bay leaves. Place 2 cups of the soup in the blender and puree to thicken, then add back to the soup along with the spinach and stir until wilted. To serve, ladle into 6 bowls and top with bacon.

STOVE TOP

1. In a blender, blend 1 can of beans with 1 cup of water.
2. Saute the bacon in a large pot until crisp. Set aside on paper towels.
3. Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste then add the pureed beans, beans, broth, rosemary and bay leaves.
4. Bring to a boil, cover and cook on low until the beans and vegetables are soft, about 25 minutes. Place 2 cups of the soup in the blender and puree to thicken, then add back to the soup along with the spinach and stir until wilted. To serve, ladle into 6 bowls and top with bacon.

SLOW COOKER

1. In a blender, blend 1 can of beans with 1 cup of water.
2. Saute the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Set aside on paper towels.
3. Add the onion, carrots and celery to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker with the tomato paste, pureed beans, canned beans, broth, rosemary and bay leaves.
4. Cover and cook low 8 hours. Remove rosemary and bay leaves. Place 2 cups of the soup in the blender and puree to thicken, then add back to the soup along with the spinach and stir until wilted, adjust salt to taste. To serve, ladle into 6 bowls and top with bacon.