Hearty Italian Bean Soup

By dashy_65

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb cooked ham, in one piece
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium (8oz) zucchini
• 2 (15oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 t. basil leaves
• 1/4 t. pepper
• 1 (14 to 16oz) stewed tomatoes
• 1 (13 to 14oz) chicken broth
• 1/2 medium size bunch spinach, chopped with tough stems removed
• grated Parmesan cheese

Details

Servings 5

Preparation

Step 1

Cut ham into 1/2" pieces; dice celery; thinly slice carrots; chop onion and dice zucchini. Remove 1 1/2 C. beans to bowl; with potato masher or fork, mash beans until smooth.

In Dutch oven cook ham, celery, carrots, onion, zucchini and spices in little oil or water until tender and begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, broth, spinach, mashed beans, and 2 cups water, using spoon to break up tomatoes; over high heat until boiling. Reduce to low; cover and simmer 15 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in remaining beans; heat through.

240 cal, 6g fat, 1165mt sodium