flavor.
spray a very large soup or stock pan with non-stick spray and then spray it again with olive oil (if you don't have a sprayer just add enough olive oil to lightly cover the bottom of the pan).
get the pan very hot over high heat and add the onion, carrots and celery and turn the heat down immediately to the point that the vegetables are softly sizzling. (it is very important not to look away during this short process. burning the onions would ruin it.) as these vegetables begin to soften a bit, add the mushrooms and garlic. cook for another 2-5 minutes.
now put the beans into the pan followed 