CREAMY ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large sauce pan heat oil. Cook onion and celery in oil for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 minutes continually stirring. Stir in beans, chicken broth, pepper, thyme and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and then simmer for 15 minutes. With slotted spoon remove 2 cups of the bean and vegetable mixture from soup ans set aside. In a blender at low speed, blend remaining soup in small batches until smooth (it helps to remove the center piece of the blender lid to allow steam to escape). Once blended pour soup back into stock pot and stir in reserved beans. Bring to a boil occasionally stirring. Stir in spinach and cook 1 minute or until spinach is wilted. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat and serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top.