Broccoli and Cannellini Bean Soup

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic or 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 ounces fresh broccoli florets
• 2 15-ounce cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided use
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon red hot-pepper sauce (plus more as needed)
• 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1/3 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom.
2. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in the garlic.
4. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the broth.
6. Cook, still over medium-high heat, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the broccoli.
8. Cook, covered, for 7 to 8 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in 1 can of beans, the salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce.
10. In a food processor or blender, process the soup in batches until smooth.
11. Carefully return the soup to the saucepan.
12. Stir in the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1 can beans.
13. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring constantly.
14. Serve with additional hot-pepper sauce if desired.
15. Making creamy soups right in the saucepan is a breeze hen you use a hand blender, also known as an immersion blender.
16. This wand-shaped gadget with a blender blade at the bottom has become a staple in many kitchens.
17. Its easy to use and less messy than transferring the soup between the saucepan and a blender or food processor.
18. (Per Serving)
19. Calories: 223
20. Total Fat: 4.0g
21. Saturated: 1.0g
22. Trans: 0.0g
23. Polyunsaturated: 1.0g
24. Monounsaturated: 1.5g
25. Cholesterol: 4mg
26. Sodium: 363mg
27. Carbohydrates: 33g
28. Fiber: 9g
29. Sugars: 5g
30. Protein: 15g
31. Dietary Exchanges
32. 2 Starch
33. 1 Vegetable
34. 1 Lean Meat

olive oil, onion, garlic, chicken broth, broccoli florets, salt, salt, pepper, red hotpepper, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/broccoli-and-cannellini-bean-soup-375603 (may not work)