French Onion Style Thirteen Bean Soup and a Giveaway

Call me a purist. Or maybe old fashioned. Or maybe too lazy to learn a new way of cooking? Whatever it is, I just cannot get excited about the pressure cooker I bought not too long ago. I tried, I really did! I see lots of folks using them and lots of folks that love them.  Heck, no one loves her pressure cooker more than my friend JL of JL Goes Vegan!  Even my own Mom used to use one.



Though I really thought I needed one, for whatever reason, I just cannot get into it. I guess for me, cooking is something I do to relax; I suppose I am not concerned about reducing cooking time. I like to slowly create as I go- I think it is more about the process than the actual end result.  Well, maybe not more but as much.

As such, I have decided that I am going to part with my pressure cooker and thought it would be great to give it away to one of the folks that read this blog!  All you need to do is leave me a comment about why you would like a pressure cooker and I will randomly select a winner and gladly ship you my pressure cooker. Please be sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.



I do want to make you aware that the 6 quart Presto Pressure Cooker I am giving away is barely used but does not have a box or instruction manual. I am also going to need to look around for the rack that came with it (that I never used).  I would guess you can get the instruction manual online and order a rack if you think you need one.

And for those of you that are interested in what a pressure cooker can do check out JL's version of my soup- cooking time start to finish- about 90 minutes.  Including soaking he beans it took me about two days start to finish so if you are cooking for a family, super busy at work or if time spent cooking is important to you a pressure cooker may be just what you need!

I will choose a winner on 01/20/2013. Good luck!

Update! We have a winner and I am thrilled to be sending a pressure cooker to someone whose pressure cooker just gave up on them1 I hope it is enjoyed for years to come!

French Onion Style Thirteen Bean Soup

1 cup Bob's Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix beans, soaked for 6-8 hours
6 cups low or no sodium vegetable stock (I use home made and do not add salt)
2 bay leaves
1 large white onion sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flake (or more depending on taste)
~ 6 rounds toasted baguette bread
~6 slices daiya havarti style wedge slices cut into thin strips

Drain the soaked beans and add to a pot. Cover with five cups of vegetable stock and add the bay leaves.  Bring to a boil over high heat, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.  Allow to cook for two hours or until the beans are soft.

Once the beans are soft, in a large skillet add olive oil and heat over medium. Add the onions, salt and pepper to taste and saute until soft but not browned- about 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and red pepper flake and cook for a few more minutes.

Add the onions and the other cup of vegetable stock to the soup mixture and continue to cook for another half hour.

While the soup continues to cook preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

When soup is finished remove the bay leaves and add soup to a crock.

Beans and onions!


Top each with a bread round and add the daiya havarti.

Ready for the oven.


Place in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Depending on your oven and how browned you want the top this may take more or less time so check it frequently.

Serve immediately.

Ready to eat!


Note: Due to shipping costs the giveaway is open to residents of the USA only.