Red Bean Soup
This came from a cajun cookbook that my friend had loaned to me. The prep. Time does not include soaking the beans overnight.
Steps
Put the beans in a saucepan , cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
Boil for 10 minutes and drain.
Set aside.
Melt the butter in a dutch oven or very large saucepan and cook the onion , garlic , celery and carrot , covered , until softened.
Add the beans , ham , ham bone , water , worcestershire sauce , parsley , thyme , bay leaves , lemon juice , pepper flakes , and salt and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil and simmer 2 hours or until beans are very soft.
Discard the ham bone.
Scoop out the chunks of ham and reserve.
Press the soup through a fine sieve and return it to the saucepan.
Discard the solids in the sieve.
Cut the chunks of ham into small dice and add to the soup.
Reheat , and taste and adjust the seasonings.
Serve hot , sprinkled with a little parsley.
Ingredients
dried red kidney beans, butter, onion, garlic, celery & leaves, carrot, smoked ham, ham bone, water, worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, dried thyme, bay leaves, lemon juice, hot red pepper flakes, salt and pepper