The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a star. -- Anthelme Brillat-Savarin --

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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