Simple Vegetarian White Bean Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound dried white beans (great northern, navy, cannellini)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 large red onions, coarse chop
• 4 ribs celery, coarse chop
• 3-4 carrots, coarse chop
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra olive oil (for sprinkling)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the beans with water to cover them by several inches. Set aside at room temperature to soak overnight.
2. Drain the beans and rinse with cold water.
3. In soup pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables soften (~10min).
4. Add the beans to the pot and stir well. Pour in the water, turn up the heat, and bring the mixture to a boil. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 hours or until the beans are very soft. Add plenty of salt and pepper near the end of cooking.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with olive oil.