CREOLE-STYLE BEAN SOUP

Creole-Style Bean Soup image

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 1/2 cups (625 mL) white pea beans, soaked and drained
3 cups (750 mL) chicken broth
1/2 cup (125 mL) diced cooked ham or smoked sausage
2 stalks celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) pepper
1 bay leaf
1 tsp (5 mL) thyme
1 tsp (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce
1 can (19 oz./540 mL) tomatoes
1 can (5 1/2 oz./156 mL) tomato paste
1 tbsp (15 mL) dry mustard
1 (300g) pack frozen okra, partly thawed and sliced
1 cup (250 mL) medium-sized shrimp, fresh or thawed frozen
3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

Steps:

In a large saucepan combine beans with broth. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer 45 minutes until beans are tender.
Add ham, celery, onion, garlic, seasonings and sauces. Break up tomatoes; mix with tomato paste and mustard; stir into bean mixture. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Bring to boil; add okra and cook 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in shrimp, cook 3 to 4 minutes until shrimp and okra are cooked. Serve with whole grain bread or cornmeal muffins.