Italian Soup Rustico ~ From the Pantry

Are you enjoying beautiful sunshine in your part of the world? The weather was gorgeous this weekend, but true to our normal April weather, showers are back with us this week.So even in springtime sometimes a steaming bowl of soup is just the thing that's needed to warm the body and spirit. And this one has several things going for it ~ it goes together quickly, it is fairly healthful as is, but you can use low-sodium ingredients if you like. And of course if you want to make it vegetarian friendly, use vegetable stock and omit the bacon.
These ingredients, plus a little bit of olive oil are what you'll need to have this wonderful, richly flavored soup on the table in under 30 minutes.I usually have these pantry staples on hand, so it's really convenient to make without having to run to the store.
You can use any kind of canned beans that you like ~ this time I chose cannellini because that's what I had in the pantry. Kidney, garbanzos, butter beans, etc. work equally well.

You can garnish with additional chopped herbs, grated Parmesan, or as I did this time, with a toasted slice of baguette with melted cheese and a little crisp bacon.

If this one sounds good to you, I'll hope you'll give it a try.Once you make it, it's one of those that you'll keep in your head ~ and won't need a recipe at all. I love that.
If you would like a printable copy of the recipe you can find it HERE on my recipe blog.
ALSO ~ If you like the little Le Creuset cocottes (individual covered bakers) like the ones shown here, you will have a chance to WIN them in Cobalt Blue, or Cherry Red in my upcoming GIVE-AWAY open to entrants in the continental US and Canada.Details of the give-away to follow soon!