Broccoli, Cannellini Bean & Cheddar Soup

By SMorrissey

Per 1 Cup serving : 152 Calories; 7 g Fat; 4 g Sat; 0 g Mono; 20 mg Cholesterol; 15 g Carbohydrates; 11 g Protein; 6 g Fiber; 558 mg Sodium; 491 mg Potassium

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 1/2 lean meat

Ingredients

• 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound broccoli crowns, trimmed and chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 14-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed (see Tip)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from eatingwell.com

Preparation

Step 1

White beans pureed into this broccoli soup make it extra creamy so you don't need heaps of cheese to do the job. Serve with a crunchy whole-grain roll and a glass of winter ale.

Bring broth and water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add broccoli, cover and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in beans, salt and pepper and cook until the beans are heated through, about 1 minute.

Transfer half the mixture to a blender with half the cheese and puree. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining broccoli mixture and cheese. Serve warm.

While we love the convenience of canned beans, they tend to be high in sodium. Give them a good rinse before adding to a recipe to rid them of some of their sodium (up to 35 percent) or opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties. (These recipes are analyzed with rinsed, regular canned beans.) Or, if you have the time, cook your own beans from scratch.