BREADS FOR SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until transparent, about 5 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Stir in broth and beans, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and chard and simmer another 15 minutes, covered.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Lay bread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp. olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast in oven until slightly golden, about 10 minutes. Set croutons aside.
• Just before serving, add basil and cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide soup among serving bowls and top each with a few warm croutons. Grate parmesan directly over soup if you like.
• *Muir Glen canned tomatoes are exceptionally flavorful and somehow don't taste as "canned" as other brands.
• Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1-cup serving.

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add the olive oil.
• When the oil is hot, add the onions, garlic, crushed bay leaf and crushed red pepper.
• Season with salt.
• Saute until slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes.
• Stir in the stock.
• Bring the liquid up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 40 minutes.
• Turn the heat up and whisk in the bread and cream.
• Continue whisking until the bread has dissolved into the soup, about 10 minutes.
• With a hand-held blender, puree the soup until smooth.
• Whisk in the cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle into individual soup bowls and serve.
• Garnish with parsley.