Ingredients and method to make White bean soup
1 yellow onion chopped fine
2 large carrots cut into half inch pieces
2 stalks of celery
2 small bay leaves
1 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika ( or according to taste)
1 tomato cut fine
1 cup dried white beans soaked overnight with a pinch of soda (soda is optional)
3 cups of water
salt to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh ground pepper according to taste (optional)
Retain a few celery leaves for garnish
Drain the soaked white beans and add fresh water to it and drain again.
Place the beans along with fresh water in a large heavy bottomed pan, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer on medium heat until cooked.
Keep the cooked beans aside.
Heat oil in the same pan and add the chopped yellow onions and saute until the onions are transparent.
Ad the chopped tomato and saute until tomatoes are soft and mushy.
Add the balance of the vegetables, all the spices, salt to taste, sugar and water and let it simmer until the vegetables are cooked and slightly soft.
Add the cooked beans to this,Add water if required to achieve required consistency and let it simmer for another ten or so minutes.
Garnish with celery leaves and fresh ground pepper and serve hot with bread of choice on side.
