White Bean Soup with Garlic Croutons

 

Title: White Bean Soup with Garlic Croutons
Contributor: Jenny Pauls
Catetories: Soups (non-Asian), Vegetarian (or easy fix)
Recipe: Good. With some tweaking could be Great. Updates as I get them...

2 16 oz. cans white beans, drained
2 c. chicken (or veggie) broth
1 c. favorite marinara sauce
2 lg. garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. fresh basil leaves or 1 t. dried basil
1 t. minced fresh rosemary
1/4 t. red pepper flakes

Puree all ingredients. Heat in saucepan; simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Top with croutons.

Croutons:
1 c. bread cubes
2 t. olive oil
1/2 t. garlic salt

Toss together. Heat 8" nonstick skillet. Add bread and brown, stirring frequently.

Originally from USA Weekend Magazine (9 March 2007).