Next Generation Life Fitness

Fava Bean Soup with Country Ham and Pecorino Cheese

Preptime: 20 min.
Cooktime: 40 min.

Calories: 463
Carbs: 65g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 26g
Protein: 38g
Satfat: 3g
Sodium: 924mg

Ingredients:
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped leeks, rinsed and drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
about 1 quart low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
4 cups shelled fava beans
1/3 pound country ham, sliced into thin strips
1/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup chopped, fresh basil

Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the leeks and onion, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

2. Add the bay leaf, rosemary and broth and bring to a boil quickly over high heat.

3. Lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables are completely tender, about 15 minutes.

4. Remove and discard the outer shell of each fava bean and add the beans to the soup pot. Simmer until the beans are bright green and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Remove the bay leaf and puree the soup in a blender. Strain and adjust the salt and pepper.

6. Serve the soup in warm bowls and garnish with country ham, cheese and basil.