Easy White Bean, Swiss Chard and Butternut Squash Soup

It's been raining for days here in Southern California, which means two things:*

1. Soup; and

2. Wretched photos, thanks to zero light.

There's no end in sight to the rain, so before we wash away into the ocean I'll share my recipe for Easy White Bean, Swiss Chard and Butternut Squash Soup.

It's vegan. It's delicious. It's carnivorous-husband-approved.

If only it could make the rain stop.

White Bean, Swiss Chard and Butternut Squash Soup

Makes about 12 cups

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

3 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped

Sea or kosher salt

4 cups vegetable stock

6 cups water

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 4 cups)

2 dried bay leaves

1 bunch Swiss chard, leaves only, loosely chopped (about 6 cups)

1 15-ounce can cooked white beans (such as Great Northern), drained and rinsed

Freshly cracked black pepper

1. In a large soup pot set over a medium flame, heat the olive oil. Add onions, celery and carrots and saute for about 5 minutes, until vegetables begin to release their juices. Sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and saute for about 5 minutes more, until onions are transluscent.

2. Add the vegetable stock, water, butternut squash and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, until squash begins to soften. Add the Swiss chard and beans and simmer for about 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

*Days of nonstop rain also mean:

Stir crazy dogs;

A stir crazier puppy;

A puppy who dislikes pottying in the rain so much, she relieves herself on the door mat;

Frayed nerves on the part of The Headless Hound and us humans; and

A frantic, late-night plea to our dog trainer for help with puppy's incessant I'm-so-bored-I-could-bark-until-you-lose-your-hearing barking.

Please send help.