North Woods Bean Soup

I'm such a soup lover. (I crave it year-round, even if it's 90 degrees outside!) A year ago my mother-in-law introduced me to this outstanding soup from Cooking Light, and it's been a favorite ever since.

image from Cooking Light

North Woods Bean Soup {adapted}

•  Cooking spray
• 3 carrots, peeled & chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 turkey kielbasa, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• fresh parsley, chopped
• couple turns of fresh ground black pepper
• 3 cans Great Northern beans (I like it not drained!)
• 1 6 oz. bag fresh baby spinach leaves

1. Heat a large saucepan coated w/ cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add carrots, garlic, and kielbasa; saute 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; cook 5 minutes. Add the broth, fresh parsley, pepper, and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Place 2 c. of the soup in a food processor or blender, and process till smooth. Return the pureed mixture to pan. Simmer an addt'l 5 minutes. Remove soup from heat. Add the spinach, stirring until spinach wilts. Serve with grilled cheese samo's... or warm, crusty bread. :) Thanks Mama Farr for sharing this delicious recipe!