Sopa de Feijao Verde

Description
String bean soup

Ingredients

 * 2 tsp salt
 * ½ tsp pepper
 * 3 large potatoes, cut in chunks
 * 2 medium tomatoes, cut in chunks
 * 2 large onions, cut in chunks
 * 1 lb fresh string beans, cut across in thin slices

Quicker version

 * 1 cup instant potatoes
 * 1 tbsp onion powder
 * 1½ quarts boiling water
 * 1 x 6 oz can tomato sauce
 * 1 package frozen Italian beans, thawed and cut in thin slices

Directions

 * 1) In a 3-quart saucepan, bring to a boil 1½ quarts water.
 * 2) Add salt, pepper, potatoes, tomatoes and onions.
 * 3) Simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
 * 4) Puree through a sieve or food mill (it should be a thin purée).
 * 5) Add string beans.
 * 6) Simmer for about 10 minutes until beans are tender.
 * 7) Correct the seasoning.
 * 8) Serve in bowls.

Quicker version
It will take a little time to slice the fresh string beans in very thin (straight-across) slices. As an adaptation and for the sake of speed, here's the fast modern version of this lovely soup:.
 * 1) Combine potato flakes, onion powder, boiling water and tomato sauce.
 * 2) No puréeing is necessary.
 * 3) Add Italian beans to the mixture above.
 * 4) Simmer until beans are done.
 * 5) Serve in bowls or large soup plates.