White Beans Soup

A traditional Greek dish (Fasolada, Φασολάδα) made of white beans and vegetables. The main ingredient, extra virgin Greek olive oil, adds to the superior taste. 

The Ingredients

1 ½ cups of white beans

½ cup olive oil
2 large dry onions, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery sticks, chopped
300 gram canned tomatoes, smashed
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 cups water
Salt, pepper

Instructions

Fill a bowl with tap water, put the beans and let stand overnight. Drain the water.

Half fill a cooking pot with tap water, add the beans making sure are below water surface, cook for about 1 hour or until half cooked, then drain.
Put the cooking pot on medium fire; add the olive oil, onions, carrots and celery. Stir well for 5 min.

Add the beans, canned tomatoes, tomato paste and hot water to cover.
Simmer for about 40 min or until you have a creamy soup. 
(If necessary, add more hot water).
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot or warm.