Crazypotato98's Hearty Bean and Rice Soup

I cannot wait to try Crazypotato98's Hearty Bean and Rice Soup! Cooking with thyme is quite standard at my house - especially for soups - but I've always used dried thyme, not fresh. Off to get a new herb for the garden so I can make this recipe!

The nutrition facts can be found at the best FREE website to count your calories - Calorie Count!

My German Thyme!

Hearty Bean and Rice Soup 

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T olive oil
5 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked but rinsed
3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
6 cups fresh spinach
1 15 oz can Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup thyme, fresh and snipped
1/4 t cracked black pepper

Directions:

Cook celery, onion, and garlic in hot oil until tender. Add broth, water and uncooked rice (if using brown rice, you can soak it in water up to two days prior to cooking). Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes; coarsely chop the zucchini, torn spinach, beans, thyme, and pepper into mixture. Cook and stir until heated through.

Notes:

Try topping each serving with feta cheese - but don't forget to count the calories!