TURKEY BACON, CANNELINI BEAN AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Turkey Bacon, Cannelini Bean and Vegetable Soup image

Provided by Linda Dalton

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 slice turkey bacon cooked and chopped, 1 inch pieces
1 1/2 c chopped onion
1 large carrot diced
2 small celery stalks diced
5 clove garlic minced
2 Tbsp canola oil plus any leftover bacon fat
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
3 dried bay leaves
2 can(s) 14.5 oz each low sodium, fat free chicken broth
2 can(s) 15.5 oz each cannelini beans rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp hot sauce
3 oz baby spinach chiffonade
GARNISH
shredded parmesan cheese
croutons

Steps:

1. Cook bacon and set aside. In large pot, add oil and any remaining bacon fat and warm over medium/low heat. Add carrots, celery and onion and stir. Cook about five minutes. Add garlic, salt and lemon pepper. Cover pot and sweat vegetables another 5 minutes. Add cooked turkey bacon.
2. Cook another minute or two and add bay leaves, broth and beans. Cook 20 minutes covered. Add spinach and hot sauce and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and re-season if necessary.
3. Garnish with cheese and (homemade) croutons.