White Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving