Tuscan White Bean Soup with Prosciutto

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Prosciutto

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped prosciutto or ham (about 2 ounces)
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped carrot
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup water
2 (19-ounce) cans cannellini beans or other white beans, undrained
2 bay leaves
1 (15.75-ounce) can chicken broth
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sherry (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Heat the oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the prosciutto, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes or until soft. Add the water, beans, bay leaves, and broth, and bring soup to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer soup for 20 minutes. Add the parsley, sherry, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute. Discard bay leaves. Makes 4 servings