Basil Bean Soup with Ham

Ingredients

• 38 ounce .5 can cannellini beans divided drained canned
• 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes undrained chopped canned
• 0.3 cup basil dried fresh finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper 
• 1.5 cups low-salt ham chopped reduced-fat
• 32 ounce no-salt-added chicken broth divided canned
• 0.3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• ladle
• knife
• blender
• dutch oven

Directions

1. Position knife blade in food processor bowl.
2. Combine 1 can broth, 1 can beans, and garlic in a food processor or a blender; process until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a Dutch oven; add remaining broth, remaining beans, tomato, and next 4 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Ladle soup into individual bowls; sprinkle evenly with cheese.
5. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.