INGREDIENTS

8 ounces dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight in cold water

8 garlic cloves, smashed

4 fresh thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses

DIRECTIONS

1. Drain the beans and place in a 5-quart Dutch oven with 6 cups water, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Drain the beans, reserving both the cooking liquid (about 2 cups) and the beans. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. 

2. Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery and chopped thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 10 minutes. Stir in the reserved beans and 2 cups cooking liquid and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 20-22 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and cool 10 minutes. Transfer in batches to a blender and puree. Return soup to the Dutch oven and season with salt and pepper. Divide among serving bowls and drizzle each with 1 1/2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses.