French Peasant Soup Serves 8
This savory soup is created with an abundance of seasonal vegetables.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours

4 quarts water
12 ounces Great Northern beans, picked over
1 small onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
6 carrots, chopped
1/2 bunch celery, chopped
1/4 cup chopped parsley
4 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
5 medium potatoes, diced
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper

1. Bring water to a boil in a large covered pot. Add beans, reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add onion, garlic, olive oil, thyme, bay leaf, basil, carrots, celery, parsley and cabbage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer 1-1/2 hours, stirring frequently, until beans are nearly tender.

3. Add potatoes, salt and pepper. Continue simmering 30 to 45 minutes, until beans are very soft and the soup is thick. Adjust seasonings to taste.