CANNELLINI SOUP WITH PARMESAN

Cannellini Soup with Parmesan image

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional oil for garnish
1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 large carrot, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large celery stalk, finely chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3 15-ounce cans cannellini (white kidney beans), drained
6 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
2 2x2-inch Parmesan cheese rinds
3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add beans, broth, sage, Parmesan rinds, and prosciutto; simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend and soup thickens slightly, about 40 minutes. Using tongs, remove cheese rinds.
Puree about 5 cups soup in processor and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. (Soup can be made 2 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm before serving.) Ladle soup into bowls and serve, passing grated Parmesan cheese and additional olive oil separately.