Fagioli Pietro

11 cups water
16 oz. dry Navy beans*
8 oz. dry green split peas
1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Toppings
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. grated Parmigiano or Romano cheese
2 tbsp. sour cream

Rinse beans and peas in colander. Sort and remove any foreign matter such as stones. Put water, beans and peas in large saucepan, bring to rapid boil. Add rest of ingredients except toppings. Boil for five minutes then turn off heat and cover. Set aside for one hour or longer. Simmer until cooked about one hour. While simmering be sure there is always some water covering beans. Adjust seasonings. Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, olive oil or cheese.

*Substitute any bean or lentil.
Lentils require about 1/2 the cooking time.

Serves 6-8.