This spicy soup is made with canned beans, so that the cooking time is far shorter than if the beans started dry and had to be soaked and cooked. It’s a simple soup that allows the nutty flavor of the beans to emerge.
Makes 6 to 8 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Minimum cook time: 3 hours in a medium slow cooker
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 celery rib, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups Vegetable Stock or purchased stock
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
2 (15-ounce) cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried
Salt and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Scrape mixture into the slow cooker.
2. Add stock, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and rosemary to the slow cooker, and stir well. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes, and serve hot, passing Parmesan cheese separately.
Note: The soup can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered. Reheat it, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Variation:
Substitute white beans for the garbanzo beans.