I've posted several recipes on different kinds of bean soup. Here is one that is just what it says it is. Just bean soup, without a bunch of additives. Beans are a very good source of protein. They also help reduce cholesterol, are low in calories and are chock full of vitamins.

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 6 cups of water
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic
• 1 medium sized onion, diced
• 1 cup of great northern or white beans
• 1 cup of pinto beans
• 1 cup of red beans
• 1 package of low sodium onion soup mix (optional)

Directions:

• Soak beans in hot water, overnight for quicker cooking, or 1 hour before cooking
• Bring water to rapid boil
• Add all ingredients and cook until beans are done

Serve with biscuits, buttered bread, crackers or fresh veggies on the side. It is a healthy soup. Beans can be used as your protein serving. They are a good substitute, especially if you are dieting and staying away from meat for awhile. Dried beans are the best to buy, because they can last for years stored in your cabinet or cellar. Buying dried beans means you get the product without a bunch of additives or preservatives, making them much healthier than the canned version.