There is still enough cold weather ahead to enjoy this wonderfully creamy, delicious soup. It is full of veggies, chunks of ham and pillows of cheesy tortellini. Serve with a crusty bread and a salad.
3-4 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
½ large onion, chopped
2 carrots, thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 c. flour
6 c. chicken stock/broth, divided
2 T. cornstarch
2 c. ham, cooked and cut into cubes
15 oz. canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 t. dried parsley or 1 T. fresh diced parsley
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 T. chicken bouillon
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes, optional
16 oz. uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini
2-3 c. half and half
fresh parsley, for garnish, if desired
Parmesan cheese, if desired
6-8 servings
Wash vegetables; chop celery and onion; thinly slice the carrots; peel the garlic and mince.
Melt butter in olive oil in a a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; saute 2 minutes; add carrots and celery; cook, while stirring, 3 minutes. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour; cook, stirring constantly 3 minutes. The consistency will be thick.
Turn heat to low; gradually stir in 5 ½ c. chicken stock/broth.
Whisk 2 T. cornstarch with the remaining ½ c. chicken stock/broth; add to soup. Stir in ham, beans, Dijon mustard, bay leaves and all remaining seasonings. Bring to a boil; cover, and reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add tortellini; boil 1-2 minutes or until cooked al dente.
Stir in half and half, adding additional half and half or chicken stock/broth, if desired for a little thinner soup; cook until warmed through.
Ladle into individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
*If using non-fat half and half, increase the cornstarch to 3 T.
**If wanting a non-creamy soup, eliminate the flour and cornstarch and replace the half and half with chicken stock/broth.