Creamy White Bean And Peanut Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 cup chopped celery, diced
1/2 cup ham or 1/2 cup smoked sausage, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (16 ounce) can white beans (chickpeas, great northern,navy or cannelini)
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

Place a saucepan with the olive oil over medium heat, and saute onions, celery, meat and garlic for 8 minutes.
Add broth and next 3 ingredients, bringing to a boil.
Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
Add the peanut butter, stirring with a whisk.
Cook 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve sprinkled with parsley.
I usually omit the meat and puree the soup with my stick blender, enjoying the smooth, creamy texture.