A good bean soup... don't use dried herbs...
Cranberry Bean Soup
SERVES 6
If fresh cranberry beans are available, omit overnight soaking.
4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 small yellow onions, peeled and chopped
2 small carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 lbs. plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 cups dried cranberry beans, soaked overnight
1 bay leaf
3 fresh sage leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until vegetables are soft, 15 minutes. Add garlic and 1 tbsp. each of parsley and basil; cook for 10 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, cook 10 minutes more, then add beans, 4 cups water, bay leaf, and sage. Simmer soup over medium heat (adding water if necessary) until beans are very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add remaining parsley and basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
