
Soak beans overnight in a bowl with water covering beans. The next morning rinse and place in the soup pot. When using canned beans rinse before using.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots and cook until slightly tender. Do not brown.
Add the water or broth, bay leaf and tomato sauce.
Bring to a boil, reduce and simmer for 1-1/2 hour - 2 hours. Test the beans. If using canned beans cook for 30 145 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
Note: This soup can be made in one day by boiling the beans in water for one hour. Then continue with the recipe! For a faster version use canned beans.