A Better Bean Soup

When we first discovered this recipe for white bean soup we were absolutely awed by how amazing it was... and how laborious the recipe was. The boy made it first, and I was floored by what a good job he did. Later he admitted he had skipped steps and got mad it was taking so long. Later, I made a double recipe for a football party, met with the same irritating length of preparation, but felt redeemed by the overwhelming compliments and requests for the recipe. Well, to usher in fall this year, I asked the boy what he wanted me to make and he immediately requested "the white bean soup." I decided I was going to make it easier and healthier this time around. I also include options for a veggie version. This is what I came up with:

Creamy white bean and chorizo soup

3 cloves garlic

1 large onion

1 large carrot

2 celery stalks

2 tb olive oil

4 cups chicken/veggie broth

2 cups H20

2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed

1 sprig rosemary

2 tsps fresh thyme (or dried)

1 bay leaf

1 # chorizo (remove casings), ground Italian turkey sausage or soysage crumbles

1/4 c heavy cream, half and half or milk (richest flavor will be cream)

pinch of thyme, salt and pepper

Chop or throw in cuisinart first 4 ingredients. Chop coarsely.

Saute in olive oil about 8 minutes till veggies are soft. Watch the garlic so it doesn't burn.

Add next six ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 1/2 hr and up to 2 hrs. The longer, the richer the flavor.

Meanwhile, cook your sausage in a pan and drain;I did mine (I use Italian turkey sausage) on the foreman grill. Let it cool and then chop up.

When you have determined your soup is done simmering, puree it carefully so you don't burn yourself and return to pot. You can leave it lumpy for a more "rustic" puree.

Add the sausage, pinch of thyme, cream and salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately.

If you need to have it wait a bit before serving, do everything but add the cream right before you serve.

Perfect for fall supper, with a crusty hot loaf of rustic bread, or toast. Better even with a good rich beer.

I am grateful for: beating the boy in fantasy football and being 6-1. The boy is grateful for aceing his test yesterday on research techniques.