Sophisticated White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 2 carrots, scrubbed and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces small white beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 8 cups water
• 6 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (may use canned)
• 2 teaspoons harissa (hot pepper paste)
• 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• sea salt
• fresh ground pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat half the olive oil in a 4 quart pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until translucent.

2. 2

   Add the carrots, celery and garlic. Cook until tender stirring often.

3. 3

   Add the beans, tomatoes and harissa. Stir and increase the heat to bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

5. 5

   Adjust salt and add fresh ground black pepper, the remaining olive oil and the vinegar.

6. 6

   Serve with olive bread or roasted garlic bread on the side!