Learning to Cook

I have always been surrounded by wonderful cooks and bakers. While this has been delightful for my taste buds, I always wondered if I would ever be able to cook like them. When I lived in Brazil, I was forced to learn how to cook because the ingredients at my disposal were so different. The experience was, at first, frustrating. But, once I began to experiment, the world of cooking opened up to me. My recipe box is now brimming, and I thought others might be interested in trying some of the recipes I have found. I haven’t tried them all yet, but I plan to in the future! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to add your own suggestions/comments.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Chicken & White Bean Soup


Once again, rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure-especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

Makes Makes 6 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1/4 teaspoon dried
2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 2-pound roasted chicken, skin discarded, meat removed from bones and shredded (4 cups)

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in sage and continue cooking until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and water, increase heat to high, cover and bring to a boil. Add beans and chicken and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 199 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 52 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 23 g protein; 4 g fiber; 530 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Selenium (19% daily value), Iron (15% dv).

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

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