WHITE BEAN SOUP

White Bean Soup image

I turned to this hearty recipe after my husband had open-heart surgery. Filled with beans, veggies and chicken, it's chock full of fiber and lean protein to help fill us up. It makes a big batch so it's great to freeze for leftovers. -Elizabeth Wagner, Clio, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 2h20m

Yield 11 servings (1-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 pound dried baby lima beans
1/2 pound dried great northern beans
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened. , Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid; set beans aside. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt. In the same pan, saute chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink. Drain and set aside. Saute onion in remaining oil until tender. Add the carrots, celery and garlic; saute 1-2 minutes longer. , Stir in the broth, water, pepper, beans and chicken; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beans are tender. Stir in parsley and remaining salt., Serve immediately or cool and freeze in a freezer container for up to 3 months. , To use frozen soup: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer to a saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/4 cup parsley and 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 499mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges