Servings: Serves 6
Ingredients
2 whole heads garlic
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt , plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , plus more to taste
1/2 loaf unsliced whole wheat bread , cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil , plus more for drizzling
1 large onion , chopped (about 2 cups)
2 carrots , peeled and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch coins
2 stalks celery , cut into 1/4-inch slices
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) white beans , drained, rinsed and drained again
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. Slice off tops of garlic heads so the cloves are just exposed. Rub each head with 1 teaspoon olive oil; wrap loosely in foil. Roast 25 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven (but leave oven on); let garlic cool until comfortable to touch. Squeeze cloves from the heads into a small bowl; mash with a fork; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine half the roasted garlic with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper. Add bread and toss until well coated. Place bread on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, turning once or twice, until golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
To make soup: In a large saucepan, heat butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Add broth and remaining half of garlic and bring to a boil; reduce heat and cook 20 minutes, until carrots are very tender. Add drained beans and rosemary; cook 10 more minutes. With an immersion blender or in a food processor fitted with knife blade, puree half the soup until smooth. Stir to combine. Serve in bowls topped with croutons and drizzled with remaining olive oil.
From the October 2007 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/food/White-Bean-and-Rosemary-Soup-with-Roasted-Garlic-Croutons#ixzz2kULVuyHP