Aunt Agnes” Bean Stew

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 1/2 cup kidney beans dried
• 1/2 cup large limas or butter beans dried
• 1/2 cup great northern beans dried
• 2 cans stewed tomatoes 15 oz approx. ea.
• 1/4 cup vegan bacon bits
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon hickory smoke flavor
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 1 small red onion chopped
• 1 medium bay leaf
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions:

Soak beans using whatever method you prefer. After soaking put drained beans in crock pot Combine 4-6 cups of soaking water with the tomato paste.

Add bacon bits (vegan) to pot. In separate skillet saute peppers, onion, celery in enough oil to prevent sticking. Add a drop or two of hickory smoke flavor.

Saute until soft but not browned. Add to beans. Add stewed tomatoes, bay leaf and garlic powder.

Cook on medium for 6-8 hours on medium. Serve with crusty vegan bread.

Serves: 6 generous

Preparation time: 3 hours