BEAN SOUP FROM DRIED BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large pot,soak the beans in 2 quarts of cold water overnight, or in 2 quarts of boiling water for an hour or two.
• After soaking, or the next day, drain the beans and cover them with fresh water.
• Bring the beans to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce the heat. You want the beans to simmer gently for most of the cooking process.
• Cover the pot and simmer the beans for an hour.
• Add more water, if needed, to keep the beans covered.
• Taste the beans after an hour and see if they are tender.
• If they are, then you can add the vegetables now; if not, let them cook another 30 minutes and try again.
• When the beans are perfectly tender add the vegetable oil, chopped vegetables and seasonings.
• Taste and add salt if you think it needs it.
• Put the lid back on and simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
• The soup will be rich and dark with vibrant colors from the vegetables peeking through.
• When everything is tender, it's ready to serve.

Steps:

• Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package directions., Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Place in a Dutch oven. Add the tomatoes with juice, onion, ham hock, broth, water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 1-1/2 hours., Add more water if necessary. Remove ham hock and let it stand until cool enough to handle. Remove meat from bone; discard bone. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces; set aside. (For a thicker soup, cool slightly, then puree beans in a food processor or blender and return to pan.) Return ham to soup and heat through. Garnish with parsley if desired.