White Bean and Black Olive Soup (from the Moosewood) (AKA Mimi's favorite soup in the world)

White Bean and Black Olive Soup (from the Moosewood) (AKA Mimi's favorite soup in the world)

3 T olive oil

3-4 cloves crushed garlic

1 heaping cup chopped onion

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced carrots

½ cup chopped bell pepper

1 cup zucchini chunks

1 ½ t salt; black pepper

1 t oregano

1 ½ t basil

4 cups stock or water

3 oz. tomato paste (1/2 small can)

¼ cup dry red wine

2 cups cooked beans

1 cup sliced black olives

1 T fresh lemon juice

Sauté garlic, onion, celery, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, salt, black pepper, oregano and basil in olive oil.
Add stock or water, tomato paste, dry red wine, beans, black olives, and lemon juice.
Simmer, covered, over very low heat, about ½ hour. Just before serving, add freshly chopped parsley. Optional garnish: freshly diced tomato.