White Bean and Tomato Soup

Garnish with fresh herbs or croutons, serve with bread and a small salad for a great winter meal.

2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup leeks, chopped
Smoked ham hock or bacon (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lb. dried Great Northern white beans, soaked overnight in cold water, rinsed and drained
1 cup tomatoes, diced (canned is fine)
12 cups chicken stock or broth

Fresh basil or parsley (optional - as garnish)
Croutons (optional - as garnish)

Sauté the onions, garlic, celery and leeks in the olive oil; if using ham hock or bacon, add it to the pan. Add the beans, tomatoes, the juice from the tomatoes and stock. Simmer for 1 - 1 ½ hours and serve hot.

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