Italian Peasant Soup

On a cold, snowy day like today, thought i'd share a recipe given to me by a co-worker, thank you Deb.  It's rich, hearty and healthy plus super easy to throw together.

Originally from Taste of Home this one is sure to warm you up on even the coldest night.

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 25 min. MAKES: 11 servings

Ingredients
1 lb. Italian Sausage, casings removed and cute into 1 inch slices

2 medium onions, chopped

6 garlic cloves, chopped

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cans (15 ounces each) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

6 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped

Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

 Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook sausage and onions over medium heat until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Add chicken; cook and stir until no longer pink.

Stir in the beans, broth, tomatoes, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and heat just until wilted. Serve with cheese if desired. 

Yield: 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

1 serving (1 cup) equals 169 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 39 mg cholesterol, 471 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 16 g protein.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/italian-peasant-soup

Originally published as Italian Peasant Soup in Quick Cooking January/February 2003, p27