Hearty Italian Bean Soup

By jeaninemg

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb. cooked ham
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 medium or 2 small zucchini
• 1 can white kidney beans
• 1 T. oil
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 (14 1/2 oz. to 16 oz.) can of stewed tomatoes
• 1 (13 3/4 to 14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth
• 1/2 medium-size bunch spinach, chopped, stems removed
• Grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Cut ham in 1/2" pieces, dice celery, slice carrots, chop onion, slice zucchini. Mash half of the beans. In hot oil, cook ham, celery, carrots, onion, zucchini, basil, and pepper until tender.

Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, spinach, mashed beans, 1 C water. Heat to boiling, reduce to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in remaining beans. Sprinkle with gated parmesan cheese.