- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 large onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 quarts water
- 1 16-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups Great Northern beans, picked over and soaked
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 sprig fresh mint or ½ teaspoon dried
- Salt to taste
- Heat the oil in a heavy, 6-quart saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the onions and garlic and saute until golden, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the water, tomatoes, beans, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer ½ hours. Add the mint and salt; simmer 15 minutes longer or until beans are tender.