It's January, so it's finally cold here in Michigan after a bit of unseasonably balmy weather after the holidays.But folks are still hanging on to those New Year's resolutions to improve their health; so while the comfort of a rich, hot casserole is awfully tempting, something lighter but just as satisfying is required.

It only makes sense, then, to share a recipe that offers warmth and nutrition as well as exceptional depth of flavor.

I received a lovely marketing gift of Grana Padano, an Italian cheese that is similar to well-aged Parmesan with its grainy texture and nutty flavor. So, of course, I had to play with it! The soup is very nice on its own, but is really enriched and enhanced by the cheese.

So here's a lovely, fragrant, delicious dish made with chickpeas and spinach. Serve it with a good, crusty whole grain bread, and you've got a perfect light meal that's still hearty and comforting.

Italian Spinach and Chickpea Soup

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups water
2 teaspoons kosher salt
pinch of freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup orzo
2 cups baby spinach leaves
grated Grana Padano or Parmesan, for serving

Heat oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, until lightly caramelized.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add chickpeas, rosemary, wine, water, salt, pepper, tomato sauce and orzo; bring to a boil, then cover and turn heat down to simmer for 1 hour.  Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking.

Stir in spinach leaves and cook just until wilted. Serve immediately, topped with cheese.

Serves 4-6.

Mary Bilyeu writes about her adventures in the kitchen - making dinner, celebrating holidays, entering cooking contests ... whatever strikes her fancy. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions or comments or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

You should also visit Mary's blog — Food Floozie — on which she enthuses and effuses over all things food-related.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.