Shelly's Recipe

ITALIAN BEAN SOUP

Category: Soups

1 tbsp vegetable oil
4-6 slices bacon or pancetta, chopped
1/4 lb cooked ham
2 celery stalks and medium onions, chopped
1 medium onion and zucchini, sliced
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup white wine
2 (15 oz) cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained and mash 1 1/2 cups of the beans
1/2 tsp dried basil leaves, tarragon and crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (14 oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 (13 1/2 oz) can chicken broth
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Grated parmesan cheese, garnish

Heat oil in Dutch oven and add the ham, bacon and vegetables until tender. Add remaining ingredients and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheese.