Modern Pepper Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried beans (kidney, pinto, or mixed) (Soaked overnight)
• 6 cups Water
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 2 Celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• Crisp crackers (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1In a large saucepan or pot, combine the soaked beans, water, chopped onion, and chopped celery.
2. 2Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender. After simmering, carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
3. 3Return the pureed soup to the saucepan. Add the tomato sauce and chili sauce. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
4. 4In a small bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk the butter-flour mixture into the soup until well combined and the soup has thickened slightly. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. 5Serve hot with crisp crackers.