Souper Saturday

"Soup is to the meal, what the hostesses smile of welcome is to the party. A prelude to the goodness to come."
-Louis P. De Gouy

Hello! I have another recipe for you to add to your collection - it is a keeper! We love soup in our home and are always trying new recipes. I have "tweaked" this one a few times and am happy with the results! Enjoy!

"Soup of the evening, beautiful..."
-Lewis Carroll


White Bean & Proscuitto Soup

Servings: 9 cups

Ingredients:

* 1/4 Lb. Prosciutto, very thinly sliced, cut into strips
* 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 1/2 cups mirepoix (carrots, celery & onion), finely diced
* 3 cans cannellini beans, drained & well rinsed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 cups vegetable stock
* 1 cup half & half
* 3 Tbsp chives, finely chopped
* Homemade croutons (see below)

Equipment Needed:

* Stockpot
* Hand-held blender

Directions:

1.) Cook the prosciutto on high, about 2 min, until lightly browned & crispy.
2.) Remove from pot & set proscuitto aside.
3.) Add 2 Tbsp of olive oil to the pot.
4.) Add garlic & mirepoix & cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, not browned.
5.) Add beans & reduce heat to medium.
6.) Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min.
7.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8.) Mash beans by stirring vigorously.
9.) Mix in vegetable stock until well-combined.
10.) Simmer 25 min, stirring occasionally.
11.) Puree using hand blender until almost smooth.
12.) Pour half and half into small bowl & stir in about 1 cup of hot soup.
13.) Return mixture to stockpot & stir in remaining 2 Tbsp of oil.
14.) Puree with hand-held stick blender until completely smooth.
15.) Garnish with chives and prosciutto.
16.) Serve homemade breadcrumbs on the side.


Homemade Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

* 1 loaf day old crusty bread, cubed
* 4 Tbsp. olive oil
* 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
* Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 350°.
1.) In a large bowl toss bread with oil, garlic, salt & pepper.
2.) Place bread cubes on parchment lined baking sheet.
3.) Bake about 15 min, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
4.) Cool before serving.
5.) Store in an airtight container.


Thought of the Day:

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
-Herm Albright

Have a great day and remember: Go Ahead & Indulge!