white-bean soup (Photo: Epicurious.com)

White-bean soup with spinach

Preparation for this delicious soup consists mainly of opening cans and a bag of greens. Surprisingly, the only seasoning is pepper, and a modest amount at that.

Served with some crusty bread, this makes a great winter supper.

There are many possibilities for substitution: other greens for the spinach, other meats for the hame.

  • 4 large cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Cook garlic in olive oil over moderately high heat 1 or 2 minutes. This is long enough to flavor the oil but not so long that the garlic will burn.

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, any style
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 lb ham cut in ½-inch cubes (a ham steak from the meat counter will do splendidly)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Stir everything into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Longer doesn't matter.

  • 1 bag (5 oz) baby spinach

Stir in greens and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the spinach leaves are wilted.

Servings: 6

Credits: Epicurious.com (Originally Gourmet magazine)