8 Simple Additions to Bean Soups

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Cookbook: How to Cook Everything
 * Typed by: Susan alexanderjamesmom@gmail.com

Additions
Like vegetable soups, bean soups are receptive to a wide variety of additions. Try, for example:


 * 1) Scraps of smoked meats, such as ham or bacon (or cook the beans with a ham bone).
 * 2) Precooked vegetables of any type, as long as the flavor does not conflict with that of the soup. Onions, carrots, and celery are almost always appropriate.
 * 3) Any croutons.
 * 4) A teaspoon or more of minced garlic or scallions, added about two minutes before the end of the cooking time.
 * 5) Any spice you like, from jalapenos or other chiles to lots of black pepper to curry powder or other spice mixtures.
 * 6) Diced fresh tomatoes as a garnish.
 * 7) Bean cooking liquid used in place of some or all of the liquid in the soup for a stronger bean flavor.
 * 8) Freshly chopped herbs or quick-cooking greens.