Red Bean Soup

==Description==
This came from a Cajun Cookbook that my friend had loaned to me. The prep. time does not include soaking the Beans overnight.
thumb|Red Bean Soup
===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 & leaves, chopped
*1 	carrot, peeled and chopped
*1/2 	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
*1/2 	teaspoon dried thyme
*2 	bay leaves
*2 	tablespoons lemon juice
*1/8 	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.<BR>
Boil for 10 minutes and drain. Set aside.<BR>
Melt the butter in a dutch oven or very large saucepan and cook the Onion, garlic, celery and carrot, covered, until softened.<BR>
Add the Beans, Ham, Ham bone, water, worcestershire sauce, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, lemon juice, pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.<BR>
Bring to a boil and simmer 2 hours or until Beans are very soft. Discard the Ham bone.<BR>
Scoop out the chunks of Ham and reserve.<BR>
Press the soup through a fine sieve and return it to the saucepan.<BR>
Discard the solids in the sieve.<BR>
Cut the chunks of Ham into small dice and add to the soup.<BR>
Reheat, and taste and adjust the seasonings.<BR>
Serve hot, sprinkled with a little parsley.
===Other Links===
==See also==
Category: Cajun Soups
Category: Cajun Recipes
category:Lemon Recipes
Category:red pepper flakes Recipes
Category:thyme Recipes
Category:parsley Recipes
category:worcestershire sauce Recipes
category:red kidney bean Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:lemon juice Recipes
category:bay leaf Recipes
category:butter Recipes
category:flakes Recipes
category:pepper Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:celery Recipes
category:carrot Recipes
category:water Recipes
category:Fresh Beans Recipes
category:Onion Recipes
category:salt Recipes
category:Ham Recipes