Ingredients

1 pound Great Northern beans, washed and sorted
2 1/2 quarts cold water, divided
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

Soak beans overnight in 2 qts. water. Add remaining water to softened beans and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients; simmer 60 minutes or until beans are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.