Fassoulatha (White Bean Soup)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 2 large carrots, finely chopped
• 1 quart water
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and mashed, or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

METHOD

• Step 1 -Drain beans and cook them, covered, in a large pot of boiling water until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Drain.
• Step 2 - Heat oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Saute onions, celery and carrots for 3 to 5 minutes. Add water, the cooked beans, tomatoes, oregano, salt, cayenne and pepper. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.