Soup's On!!

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

4 cloves sliced garlic

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