Eleven Bean Soup- A Common Ground Staple This recipe has been around for as long as anyone here can remember, but if you’ve made it, you have probably noticed some things can be tweaked and adjusted to your own preferences! Stick with the basic or spice it up, the 11 delicious and nutritious beans provide a hearty meal! Makes a great gift! Try it in a slow-cooker and have dinner ready when you get home! Yield 5 quarts. Basic Ingredients:
-1 package mixed beans -2 TBSP lemon juice (1 lemon) -1 large onion -1/4 cup barley (leave out if Gluten-Free) -1 pint tomatoes or -1 lb Ham (optional) 6oz can tomato paste - Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
1) Soak beans overnight or several hours or you will have to cook longer. Put in a large pot and cover with water and 1 TBSP salt. 2)Drain and rinse soaked beans, then fill pot with fresh water and bring to a boil. Add the ham if using. 3) Simmer about 60-90 minutes but test beans to keep from overcooking. Cook to your desired tenderness, but leave slightly underdone. 4) Add the other ingredients and simmer 30 minutes longer or until it tastes good to you! **Experiment with adding other spices such as cumin or thyme, fresh herbs, extra veggies, whatever you like!