Tuscan Vegetable Soup

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

In ' The Food You Crave' by Ellie Krieger. Per serving--143 cal, 4g fat, 5 g fiber

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or other small white bean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 small zucchini, diced (about 1/2 lb, about 1 1/2 cup)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon, (or more)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 t. dried)
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage (or 1/2 t. dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices (use no-salt-added)
• 2 ounces baby spinach leaves, chopped (2 cups lightly packed)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mash half the beans; set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a big pot over med-high heat; add in onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook/stir occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add in the broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
4. Add in mashed and whole beans and the spinach; cook until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust w/ salt and pepper.
6. Serve topped with Parmesan, if desired.

Reviews

[Chris #5]

As is, it would have been a bland. But I went to the FoodNetwork website and looked at the comments there and heck..any soup recipe will always need a bit of tweaking to suit the individuals taste.

I added 3 cloves of minced garlic, a couple of seeded and diced jalapenos, a good teaspoon of crushed red pepper, and added about 1/2-3/4 cup of spicy V8 juice when I added the tomatoes. I also added a can of white corn. I simmered it a bit longer than stated.

Even with those changes, it wasn't too spicy. Verdict? Good, filling, endless possibilities, makes a ton, and will freeze well. I'll make it often!