White Bean and Spinach Soup

January in Colorado means we're not yet past the possibility of wintertime snow storms. Cold weather always inspires me to make a big pot of soup! And I was craving a healthy veggie soup.

The great thing about making this soup - it's E-A-S-Y! And healthy too!

Perfect for supporting a healthy lifestyle. Can't get much better than that.

White Bean and Spinach Soup
Recipe adapted from Fitness Magazine

Ingredients: *Serves 6
1 tsp. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
8 c. vegetable broth
1 15 oz. can tomato puree
1 15 oz. can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. brown rice, uncooked
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
8 c. fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
3 tbs. shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. In a large non-stick skillet, sauté onions in oil until browned, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 minute. Remove from heat.
2. In a large pot, combine broth, tomato puree, beans, rice, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir in onion and garlic.
3. Cover and cook on medium heat, to a slow simmer, for 2 1/2 hours.
4. When ready to serve, stir in spinach and garnish with cheese. Dig in and enjoy!