Creamy Italian White Bean Soup

1 . Stage

In a large saucepan, heat oil. Cook onion and celery in oil for 5 to 8 minutes, or until tender. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, continually stirring. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Stir in beans, chicken broth, pepper, thyme and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and then simmer for 15 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

With slotted spoon, remove 2 cups of the bean and vegetable mixture from soup and set aside.

4 . Stage

In blender at low speed, blend remaining soup in small batches until smooth, (it helps to remove the center piece of the blender lid to allow steam to escape.) Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Once blended pour soup back into stock pot and stir in reserved beans.

6 . Stage

Bring to a boil, occasionally stirring. Stir in spinach and cook 1 minute or until spinach is wilted. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat and serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS