Red Bean Soup

== Description ==
thumb|300px|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.
== Ingredients ==
* 2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
* 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
* 1 stalk celery and leaves, chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
* ½ lb smoked ham, cut into large chunks
* 1 large ham bone, if available
* 2 quarts water
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* ½ teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 bay leaves
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* ⅛ teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
* salt and pepper
* chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)
== Directions ==
# 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.
Category:Cajun Soups
Category:Ham Recipes
Category:Red kidney bean Recipes
Category:Thyme Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Celery Recipes
Category:Carrot Recipes
Category:Lemon juice Recipes