Lima Bean Soup

1 lb Dry Large Lima Beans (not the baby ones)

5 cups water.

1 large bell pepper cut into bite size pieces

1 med onion chopped

3 cloves of garlic chopped

1 teaspoon salt.

1/2 of a large bunch of cilantro chopped.

Wash beans and soak in the water over night, or for 5 or more hours. Bring the beans to a boil and immediately turn them down to a very low simmer. If you boil the beans hard the flavor and nutrients will be compromised. After about 45 minutes to one hour, add the all of the ingredients except the cilantro and salt. Cook at a very low simmer for another 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beans are completely tender. After the beans are completely soft turn off the stove and add the cilantro and salt. Serve.