Hearty italian bean soup

 
                          Hearty Italian Bean Soup
 
 Recipe By     : 
 Serving Size  : 5    Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
      1/4  Pound         ham -- cooked, cut into 1/2
    2                    celery stalk -- diced
    2                    carrot -- medium, chopped
    1                    onion -- medium,chopped
    1      8 Ounce       zucchini -- diced
    2      15 Oz. Can    white beans
    1      Tablespoon    olive oil
      1/2  Teaspoon      basil
      1/4  tsp           pepper
    1      16 oz. can    tomato -- stewed
    1      14 oz. can    chicken broth
    1      c             spinach -- fresh, chopped
           dash          Parmesan cheese -- grated
 
 1. Remove 1 1/2 cup white kidney beans to medium bowl; mash beans until
 smooth with a potato masher or fork.
 2. In 5 qt. pot, heat olive oil, ham, celery, carrots, onion, zucchini,
 basil, and pepper until veggies are tender and begin to brown, about 15
 minutes.
 3. Stir in stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped spinach, mashed white
 beans, and 2 cups water, use spoon to break up tomatoes; heat till
 boiling. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes to blend flavors.
 Stir in remaining beans; heat through.
 4. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -