INGREDIENTS
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1 pound dried white beans (I used navy beans, but great northern would be good too), washed and pre-soaked. Or, 4 - 15 ounce cans...not drained.
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup thick sliced carrot
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1 cup rough diced celery
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½ cups rough diced onion
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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6 - 8 cups vegetable stock
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1½ tablespoons dried Italian seasoning blend
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2 bay leaves
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ground black pepper, to taste
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2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra
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1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (I used Rotel brand - don't add until the beans are soft.)
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1 teaspoon creole seasoning blend (you could use Cajun too but don't add until the beans are soft)