Instructions: Yields 6 cups

1. Place the beans in a 3 quart/liter saucepan and add enough water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil over moderate heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside, covered, while you cook the vegetables.

2. Heat the ghee or butter in a 6 quart/liter stockpot over mod. heat. Add the carrots, parsnip, and celery and slowly cook for 20 minutes or until browned.

3. Stir in parsley, water and coriander and bring to a boil over high heat. Discard any beans that float on the top of the water. Drain the beans in a colander and add to the stockpot. Tie the thyme, cloves, bay or cassia leaf and ginger in a piece of cheesecloth. Drop in this bouquet garni and slowly simmer over low heat, covered, for 4 hours.

4. The stock is delicious as is, simply strained and garnished with fresh herbs. To make a hearty bean soup, remove the bouquet garni and puree the vegetables and beans with stock, milk or cream to the desired consistency.

Add salt at the end of cooking so the beans dont stay tough.

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