SOPA DE FEIJAO VERDE

String Bean Soup Yield: 2 quarts (8 cups)

In a 3-quart saucepan:

Bring to a boil 1 1/2 quarts WATER.

Add: 2 tsp. SALT 1/2 tsp. PEPPER 3 large POTATOES, cut in chunks 2 medium TOMATOES, cut in chunks 2 large ONIONS, cut in chunks.

Simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Puree through a sieve or food mill. (It should be a thin puree.)

Add 1 Ib. FRESH STRING BEANS, cut across in thin slices.

Simmer for about 10 minutes until beans are tender.

Correct the Seasoning

Serve in bowls.

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:

Combine: 1 cup INSTANT POTATOES 1 Tbs. ONION POWDER 1 1/2 quarts BOILING WATER 1 6-oz. can TOMATO SAUCE

No pureeing is necessary.

Cut 1 package FROZEN ITALIAN BEANS (thawed) in thin slices.

Add to the mixture above.

Simmer until beans are done.

Serve in bowls or large soup plates.