Howdy friends! Sorry I've been AWOL for so long, but I've been having trouble with my blog site...L-O-N-G story. Hoping I'll be able to post again more often now. Guess we'll see.
I've been spending time with family and preparing for our annual family Easter celebration. Up to 200+ family & friends at my house the day before Easter for a celebration of our Savior's glorious resurrection along with lots of family, friends, food and of course confetti eggs (or cascaronés - as we call them here in Zig Zag)!
Needless to say, with all the preparations going on, I haven't had much time to spend in the kitchen, but this recipe is really quick and easy - and healthy too! It's also VERY flexible...feel free to substitute whatever type of beans, pasta or greens you like. Give it a try!
Faithy's Hearty Tomato Soup
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onion
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can whole tomatoes (crushed)
(I sometimes use 2 cans of home-canned tomatoes when I have them)
1 can lower sodium beef broth
2-1/2 cups water
1 can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
(this time I also threw in some leftover rinsed & drained chickpeas that I had in the fridge)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 pkg. chopped spinach, thawed and drained (collard greens are also good)
1/2 link beef sausage, cut into small cubes (optional)
1 tsp. minced, fresh oregano
1 tsp. minced, fresh chives
1 Tbsp. minced, fresh basil
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup pasta shells
(or macaroni noodles, or whatever pasta you like - you can also leave the pasta out entirely)
NOTE: If you don't have fresh herbs, feel free to used dried ones - or even different ones to suit your taste. Just remember to use a little less if you are using dried ones, as the flavors can be concentrated.
Saute onion & garlic in olive oil. Add remaining ingredients (except pasta shells) and stir well. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add pasta and cook until pasta is done. ENJOY!!
NOTE: This soup freezes very well too.
Hope you and yours are able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful springtime...
Blessings,
--Faithy
