This recipe uses smart tricks to thicken creamy white soup with canned beans. Try this hearty, nutritious, creamy, and garlicky option for weeknight dinner.

Even here in the Southwest part of the country ... Added back to your soup, it gives us a rich texture. Cannellini beans: ...

Drain the soaked beans and discard the water. Place the beans, ham hocks, chicken broth, and bay leaf in a soup pot; do not add salt at this stage. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour ...

As soon as the outside temperature dips below 50 degrees, I can't wait to make this vegetarian soup ... Canned beans make it sturdy enough for a main course. For a comforting lunch or dinner, serve ...

Get the grill on, and cook the cheese like you would for cheese on toast and enjoy the rich beefy soup with that delicious crouton on top. Enough to warm the cockles of the coldest heart.