Fallstalgia

Today I was so happy because...IT FELT LIKE FALL! Fall is my favorite time of the year, and it was nice to have an  unexpected fall-like day in the middle of the summer. Don't get me wrong, I've been loving the lovely, clear, sunny weather we've been having, but it was such a treat to have a reminder of a few fall things I really love- watching the rain through the windows, making soup, and cuddling with my sweetie under a warm blanket. For dinner, I made us a simple soup. This is a great soup if you're feeling under the weather or don't have a lot of time or energy but want something warm and delicious to eat.
Erin's Simple Rainy Day Soup
olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 potatoes, chopped into small pieces
3 bouillon cubes, dissolved in a little hot water
8 cups water
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 bunch spinach, sliced into ribbons
2 Tbs. fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
fresh black pepper

Pour a little olive oil into a soup pot and heat over medium-high. Add the onions and saute until almost translucent. Next add the garlic. Saute briefly, then add the celery, and saute until celery is nearly soft. Add carrots and saute a few minutes more. Add the potatoes, dissolved bouillon, and the 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all vegetables are soft enough to pierce with a fork. Add the beans, spinach, and parsley. Cook for 3 more minutes. Serve with lots of fresh-ground black pepper.