Hearty Ham & White Bean Soup

With Fall just around the corner & in celebration of the cooler weather (Yes- in Texas we consider 80s cold after this triple digit heat)  I thought I would share one of my soup recipes.  I like to call it "Athlete Soup" and it is perfect after a cold run or outside workout.  What makes this soup so good for you?  The cabbage is rich in Vitamin C and fiber, as well as, phytonutrients that help protect against some cancers.  


**Serves 6
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 sweet onion, diced into medium pieces (not an onion fan?  I'm not, but I love the flavor, so I use a food processor so the onions are more liquid as opposed to chopped)
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
2 large carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, & sliced thin
1/2 cabbage, cored, cut into bite-size shreds
12 ounces lean ham steak, diced into small pieces
1 quart chicken both (I always use low sodium chicken broth)
1 14.5 ounce can petite- diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, undrained
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped


Heat the oil over medium-high in a soup kettle.  Add the onion, saute until soft and golden- about 5 min.  Add the Italian seasoning and saute until fragrant, about 1 min.  Add the remaining ingredients, then bring to a full simmer, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.  Reduce heat to low, simmer gently (partially covered) until the vegetables are just cooked and flavors bended- about 15 min.  Stir the parsley; cover and let stand for 5 minutes


Calories per serving:  270
Carbs:  32G
Protein:  22G
Fat:  6G