Asparagus & Rice Soup | Schnucks

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. Schnucks extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/3 cups carrots, diced
• 1 1/3 cups celery, diced
• 1 1/3 cups onion, diced
• 6 cups less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup unprepared converted or extra long grain white rice
• 1 pkg. mini cubed ham, drained
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, each spear cut diagonally into 1" pieces
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• grated Pecorino Romano cheese, optional