Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew
(Servings: 12)
Ingredients:
1 lb beans, assorted, dry
2 cup vegetable juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup apple or pineapple juice
vegetable stock or water
1/2 cup celery -- diced
1/2 cup parsnips -- diced
1/2 cup carrots -- diced
1/2 cup mushrooms -- diced
1 onion -- diced
1 tsp basil, dried
1 tsp parsley, dried
1 bay leaf
3 clove garlic -- minced
1 tsp black pepper -- ground
1 cup rice or pasta -- cooked
Instructions:
Sort and rinse beans, then soak overnight in water.
Drain beans and place in crockpot. Add vegetable juice, wine, soy sauce, and
apple or pineapple juice. Cover with vegetable stock or water; the amount added
depends on whether you prefer a soup (more liquid) or a stew (less). The juice
adds just a tad of sweetness and the soy sauce adds depth and the tang of salt.
Cook at high for 2 hours. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices, and cook for 5-6
hours at low until carrots and parsnips are tender. When tender, add rice or
pasta and cook for one additional hour.
Notes:
For beans use 3 or 4 kinds, such as: black, red kidney, pinto, baby lima,
lentil, and green and/or yellow split peas.