Ellie Krieger Recipe
This is her original recipe tweaked by me.
Serves: 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
2 (15-ounce) can low-sodium canellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 stalks celery, diced, (about 1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 clove garlic, minced
dash red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage OR Rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon 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 ( or use cabbage and cook longer)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, optional
Cooked Italian Sausage or cooked pasta could also be added for more flavor.
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 20- 30 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.
