White bean soup with rosemary

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsOlive oil
1cupDiced onion
1Carrot, peeled and sliced
1Celery stalk, sliced
2tablespoonsMinced garlic
½cupDiced country ham or prosciu
¾poundsDried cannellini or navy bea
2tablespoonsFresh chopped rosemary (2 t
8cupsChicken stock
½teaspoonPepper
Salt

Directions

HEAT THE OIL IN A LARGE saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and ham and saute, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add the beans, rosemary, chicken stock and pepper, and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Taste the cooking liquid, and add enough salt so that it becomes slightly salty (the amount needed will vary depending on the type of ham used for seasoning).

Recover the pot and simmer for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the beans are soft. Puree the mixture in a food processor fitted with the steel blade or in a blender. Serve hot. Serves 6 to 8. The soup can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated, covered.