Hearty Bean and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:
• 1 lb beans, assorted, dry
• 2 cups V-8 or tomato juice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup apple or pineapple juice
• Vegetable stock or water
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup parsnips or turnips, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tsp basil, dried
• 1 tsp parsley, dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp black pepper, ground
• 1 cup rice or pasta, cooked

Preparation:

1. Sort and rinse beans, then soak overnight in water.
2. Drain beans put in Dutch oven or kettle; cover with fresh water. Simmer for about 1 hour, until tender.
3. Drain beans and put in crockpot. Add vegetable juice, wine, soy sauce, and apple or pineapple juice. Cover with vegetable stock or water; the amount added depends on whether you prefer a soup or a thicker stew. Cook at high for 2 hours.
4. Add vegetables, herbs, and spices, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on low until carrots and parsnips are tender.
5. When tender, add rice or pasta and cook for one additional hour.
6. Serves 12.