Recipe: Vegetarian French Garlic Soup

Vegetarian French Garlic Soup
Source: rec.food.recipes/Dancer
About 6-8 servings

4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium onions, chopped finely
5 medium or large garlic cloves, pressed or minced finely
2-1/2 cups water
3 medium ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped, or 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
with liquid
2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium waxy-style (not baking) potatoes, scrubbed well and diced
1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and quartered, or 1 cup frozen cut green
beans
2 medium ribs celery with leaves, chopped
6 scallions, white parts only, chopped
1 medium zucchini or yellow squash, sliced thinly
1/2 cup cooked or canned white beans, drained
4 Tablespoons dried basil
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, or to taste

In a large, heavy saucepan, heat half the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Saute for no more than five minutes, until the onions are soft but making sure the garlic doesn't burn. Add in all the remaining ingredients, stir, and lower heat. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.