WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH TOMATOES AND HERBS

White Bean Soup with Tomatoes and Herbs image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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1 bunch fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried
Large sprig of fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
2 bunches fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons dried
3 cups dried white beans, washed and picked over
12 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups canned tomatoes, chopped, with their liquid
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 quarts vegetable stock or water
2 to 2 1/2 limes, quartered

Steps:

If using fresh herbs, make an herb packet by placing a large square of cheesecloth on a counter. Place the thyme, rosemary and half the oregano in the center, gather the ends together and tie to enclose. Remove the leaves from the remaining bunch of oregano, chop and reserve.
Combine the beans, fresh herb packet or the dried herbs and water in a large saucepan or stockpot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until the beans are cooked through but still firm, 1 hour. Remove from the heat. Lift out and discard the herb bundle.
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Saute the onions until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook just until the aroma is released, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their liquid, salt, pepper and half of the reserved chopped oregano (if using fresh). Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid is evaporated. Stir in the beans and their cooking liquid and cook 5 minutes longer.
Pour in the vegetable stock or water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook about 40 minutes, or until the beans are very tender.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped fresh oregano and lime wedges.