Peasant Soup

Try adding chopped fresh or frozen spinach. Add small cooked pasta for a minestrone soup. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese.

2 cups dried white beans 6 cups water 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 3 carrots, sliced 3 celery stalks, chopped 2 med onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 bay leaves 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules

1 Place beans in large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand at least one hour.

2 Drain and rinse beans. Return to pot and add the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until vegetables and beans are tender. Discard the bay leaves before serving.

Servings: 12