CARROT AND WHITE BEAN SOUP

Carrot and White Bean Soup image

Provided by dicentra

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 head garlic (3 1/2 to 4 oz.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped (about 8 oz.)
salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans de-fatted chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled or 1/8 teaspoon powdered saffron
2 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2 (15 ounce) cans small white beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup dry sherry

Steps:

Cut garlic head in half crosswise; rub cut surfaces lightly with olive oil and wrap garlic in foil. Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven until garlic is soft when pressed, about 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle, pluck or squeeze garlic cloves from peel; discard peel.
2. Meanwhile, in a 6- to 8-quart pan over medium-high heat, cook onion in 1 tablespoon oil, stirring occasionally, until very limp, about 15 minutes (if onion starts to brown, reduce heat and add a few tablespoons of water). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add wine and stir often until most of the liquid is evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add broth, saffron, and carrots. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until carrots are very tender when pierced, about 20 minutes.
Add roasted garlic.
In a blender or food processor, whirl mixture, in batches, until smooth.
Return purée to pan over low heat; add beans and sherry. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.