Tuscan White Bean Soup

1 lb. small white beans, $.65
3 Tbsp. olive oil (or whatever kind you have), $.50
2 onions chopped (I used one), $1
1 cup finely chopped carrots, $1
2 tsp. fresh chopped rosemary (I didn't have so I left this out)
3 cloves minced garlic (I used minced garlic from a jar because that's what I had on hand, you could also substitute garlic powder), $.50
10 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I used boullion and water), $.25
pepper and parmesan cheese for garnish, optional (we didn't use)

Total cost: $3.90

Wash and soak beans as directed on package.

In a large soup pot, heat oil and saute onions and carrots (and rosemary if using) until soft. Stir in garlic, beans, and broth and bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered until beans are tender (mine took a couple of hours).

Transfer 1/3 of the soup to a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Then return it with the rest of the soup and stir.

We ate this with homemade bread and it was wonderful.