Heat the butter or oil in the pot and add the diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the onions begin to brown and soften.
Cook the Aromatics:
Add the garlic and hot cherry peppers to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in 1 cup of the vegetable stock and scrape up anything stuck to the bottom. Add the remaining 5 cups vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Finish the Soup:
Add the tomatoes, beans, potatoes, thyme, and season liberally with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through. Taste and season again to your preference.
Right before serving, add the fresh or frozen peas to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they are bright green and cooked through.
To Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!