How to Make a French White Bean Soup

There are hundreds of different vegetable soupcalories of cream and this is one of the most satisfying
recipes you can make and, if you enjoy corn chowderhealthy broth recipes of all. The aroma while it cooks is
or mixed vegetable broth, what about trying a Frenchreally mouthwatering as well and your family will know
white bean soup next? This delicious soup is greatyou are cooking something very special.
with bread and perhaps some carrot sticks or slicedWhat you will need:
tomatoes on the side to make it more substantial.- 2 chopped leeks (only the white part)
Breadsticks are an alternative to bread, or you could- 2 peeled potatoes, cut in half-inch cubes
serve crackers.- 1 chopped yellow onion
White beans are also known as haricots and they are- 3 cups low salt vegetable broth
very popular in the United States as well as Great- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Britain. They are used to make pies and stews,- 15 oz can white beans, drained
amongst other things. When using canned white beans- 2 minced cloves garlic
for recipes, you should drain them and then rinse them- 1 tablespoon olive oil
to make sure all the brine is off, else they will add too- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
much saltiness to the dish you are making. Some- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
recipes will tell you not to drain them but for the- 1 cup evaporated skim milk
following one, you do need to, for the best results.- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cannellini beans are another type of white beans andHow to make it:
these are popular throughout southern and central Italy.Saute the leeks, garlic, and onion in the oil in a pan for
They are related to the kidney bean. Giant white onesfive minutes over a moderately high heat. Add the
called "gigantes" are produced in a region in the northpotatoes and beans, as well as half the vegetable
of Greece and these feature in some Greek brothbroth and half the thyme. Simmer the soup for twenty
and stew recipes.minutes, and then puree it in a food processor or
The following recipe serves four people. Taste theblender.
soup before adding salt and pepper, especially if youReturn the smooth mixture to the pan and stir in the
are using a low salt broth rather than a salt-free one.evaporated milk and the rest of the broth. Heat the
The leeks, potatoes, onion, and garlic are nutritious assoup through. You might want to add more broth or
well as tasty and the lemon juice and thyme add awater for a thinner soup. Stir in the remaining thyme,
wonderful aromatic flavor to this recipe.lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper just before
The evaporated milk adds creaminess without theserving.