Cannellini Bean Soup with Pan Fried Croutons

From Vegan Yum Yum by Lauren Ulm | Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 to 3 shallots, peeled and sliced
4 cups Vegetable Broth
2 to 3 kale leaves, torn
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1 15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
16 grape tomatoes, halved
fresh lemon juice, for seasoning

Pan-Fried Croutons:
2 tablespoons Earth Balance margarine
3 slices whole wheat bread, sliced into 1/2” cubes

Directions:
Step 1: Melt the Earth Balance in a skillet and add the bread cubes. Let the bread cook, absorbing the margarine, until golden brown. Toss and brown all sides of the bread and then remove it from the pan when it’s rich brown and crispy. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot. Add the shallots and sauté until tender and lightly colored. Pour in the vegetable stock and heat until simmering. Add the kale and salt and cook, covered, until the kale is tender but still dark green. When ready to serve, turn off the heat and add the tomatoes. Let them sit in the hot soup for 1 to 3 minutes to cook slightly before serving. Check the seasoning and adjust, if desired. Add the pan-fried croutons at the last moment, with a small squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.