White bean & lamb soup

10 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsLight-tasting olive oil
1cupChopped celery
1cupChopped onion
2teaspoonsMinced garlic
2teaspoonsDried sage
6cupsChicken stock or broth
2cupsWater
1poundsLamb shanks
1poundsDried navy beans
2teaspoonsFresh lemon juice
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
3largesPlum tomatoes; shells only, cut into 1/4-in dice
¼cupFresh basil leaves cut into fine julienne

Directions

SOUP

GARNISH

HEAT OIL in 4-quart pot. When hot, add celery, onion, garlic and sage. Cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add stock or broth and water. Bring to a boil. Add lamb and beans. Bring to boil again. Simmer, covered, 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Use slotted spoon to remove lamb. When cool enough to handle, remove meat from bone. Cut meat into ⅓-inch dice. Puree 2 cups beans with 1 cup soup liquid until smooth. Return meat and pureed mixture to pot. Stir well to combine. Add lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Can be made ahead and refrigerated as long as 3 days or frozen.

Reheat gently, thinning with water as needed. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice. To serve, garnish with tomato and basil.