This is one of our favorites!! It is incredibly tasty and healthy! FYI: Fresh herbs are much better than the dried. Enjoy!
Tuscan Vegetable Soup
(Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/tuscan-vegetable-soup-recipe.print.html?oc=linkback)
1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium canellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 T. olive oil
1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 carrots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 stalks celery, diced, (about 1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T. chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 tsp. chopped fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes
2 cups chopped baby spinach leaves
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, optional
In a small bowl mash half of the beans with a masher or the back of a spoon, and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the broth and tomatoes with the juice and bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans and the spinach leaves and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes more.
Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!
2007, Ellie Krieger, All Rights Reserved