Royal Blend Italian Soup

Ingredients

• null 1 lb ground pork
• null 2 tbsp salt, divided
• null 2 tsp pepper, divided
• null 3 tbsp olive oil
• null 1 medium onion, diced
• null 5 cloves garlic, minced
• null 2 tbsp tomato paste
• null 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• null 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• null 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• null 1 piece (2.5 x 1.5-inch) Parmesan cheese rind
• null 10.5 cups beef broth
• null RiceSelect® Royal Blend® Rice
• null 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• null 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• null 1 can (15 oz) cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
• null 2 cups fresh spinach, trimmed

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, season pork with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper; stir together and set aside. In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add oil. Stir in onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Add seasoned pork and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until pork is no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add thyme, rosemary, diced tomatoes (with juice), Parmesan rind, beef broth, RiceSelect® Royal Blend, Italian seasoning and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Season with remaining salt and remaining pepper. Remove Parmesan rind, rosemary sprigs and thyme sprigs. Stir in cannellini beans and spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
3. Transfer soup to 6 serving bowls and serve immediately.
4. Tips:
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes before serving, if desired.
6. Garnish Design:
7. Make a bouquet garnish or sachet by tying Parmesan rind, rosemary and thyme together with twine or by enclosing in cheesecloth for easy removal.