WHITE BEAN, ORZO AND SPINACH SOUP

White Bean, Orzo and Spinach Soup image

Provided by Maggie M

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Tbsp butter
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c thinly sliced celery
1/3 c chopped green bell pepper
2 clove garlic - minced
1-2 tsp italian seasoning
1/4 tsp ground black pepper - more or less to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes - more or less to taste
4 c reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can(s) diced tomatoes (14 oz) - plain or with the basil and oregano added
3/4 c orzo pasta, uncooked
1-1/2 c fresh green beans cut into 1" pieces
4 c fresh spinach - chopped
1 can(s) cannelini beans
1 - 2 c tomato juice
parmesan cheese for garnish
kielbasa, ham or italian sausage as optional ingredient

Steps:

1. Melt butter in a large 3 qt pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the onion, celery and bell pepper. Saute until just barely tender. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about a minute being careful not to let it scorch or burn.
2. Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then drop the heat down to a simmer. Cook - uncovered - for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Sprinkle the Orzo into the liquid and stir. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes - stirring frequently.
4. After 10 minutes add the green beans and spinach. Continue to cook - stirring often - for another 6 minutes or until the Orzo is tender.
5. Add enough tomato juice to get the consistency you prefer for soup. If you are adding cooked protein now is the time to do it. Add the Cannelloni beans and heat through.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls or large mugs. Garnish with a bit of Parmesan cheese if desired.