10-Bean Soup

Beans, beans, good for your heart; the more you eat the more you fart... Or so they say.

Prior to Boston heating to the temperature of the sun, we had a few cold and miserable days. TNB needed warmth, comfort food, SOUP. Also, Brown Mummy was super sick (that's an illness with a cape). So, Brown Mummy made soup. And all were happy.

[FYI, this is recipe takes a while -- start it in the morning if you plan to eat it that night]

Here's what you need:

I used a pre-mixed selection of beans from the Women's Bean Project, a non-profit organization that trains women for entry-level jobs so that they can move towards self-sufficiency. How awesome is that?

You can use whatever beans or pulses make you happiest (or fartiest).

Ingredients:
Beans - barley, anasazi beans, yellow lentils, red lentils, green split peas, yellow split peas, black eyed peas, black turtle beans, red beans and white beans
1 clove of garlic, minced
28oz can of diced tomatoes
Salt
Parsley
Garlic powder
Paprika
Cayenne Pepper

Start by placing all your beans and pulses in a large bowl, cover with water and soak overnight, or for at least three hours.

Soak 'em!

Then, take a gorgeous picture of a gorgeous cat.

*sniff sniff*

Drain the beans...

...place into a large 4-qt pot, with minced garlic (Brown Mummy used a little more than one clove) and 7 cups of water.

Garlic.

H2O.

Beans.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for... wait for it... 3 hours.

Yes really. You need to let the pot simmer away at a low heat until all the various kinds of beans have softened. Depending on the beans and pulses you've used, you may not need the full 3 hours. Be sure to return to the pot often, stirring occasionally, and testing for softness. In the mean time you can...

Water a plant

Meet Sassy, The Bamboo plant.

Eat an orange

Take an artsy picture of a cat

So far away!

Take another fluffy picture of a cat

"Look, Ma, no feet."

Test the beans

Apply a face mask

Take off a face mask

Clean skin :)

When softened, I added a squiggle of olive oil to the pot, and then the pre-made packet of herbs from the Women's Bean Project.

If you don't have a pre-made packet of herbs, try a tsp of salt, a handful of freshly chopped parsley, a half tsp of garlic powder, and half a tsp each of paprika and cayenne pepper (or more, if you can handle the heat!).

Taste the seasoning, and add a little kosher salt if the soup needs it.

Then add the diced tomatoes...

...and a half tsp of sugar (my little secret!).

I served the soup by putting handfuls of fresh spinach in bowls, and ladling the soup on top.

Voilà!