Delicious Israeli Bean Soup Recipe - A Taste of Israel

Ingredients

• 2 cups small white beans ( navy beans , etc.)
• 6 cups cold water (for soaking the beans)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 onions , chopped
• 3 stalks celery , chopped
• 3 garlic cloves , minced (up to 4)
• 3 carrots , chopped
• 6.5 cups water
• 2 potatoes , peeled and cut into small chunks
• 1 or 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin (to taste, up to 2 tsp)
• 1 can (28 oz or 794 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 0.25 to 0.5 cup fresh cilantro , minced