Soup!

I have a deep and abiding love of soup too- not just hot cereal. My husband always laughs because I pronounce nearly every bowl of soup the best I've ever tasted. I mean it every time, too! (My enthusiasm doesn't generally extend to Campbell's soups, however.)

Now that it's winter, here's a great soup for eating when you're snowed in. I've adapted a minestrone recipe to incorporate only foods that I tend to have on hand at home, so I won't have to go on a shopping trip. If you have other vegetables, though, feel free to throw them in. Zucchini, Italian green beans, or celery are some of my favorite extras.


Snowed-in Minestrone (serves about 3)

1 small onion, chopped
1 small carrot or a handful of baby carrots, sliced
3 c. water
½ tsp. oregano
½ tsp. basil
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch pepper
1/4 c. tomato sauce
1 c. canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. canned diced tomatoes (do not drain!)
½ c. small whole wheat pasta (shells, elbow macaroni, etc.)

Saute onion and carrot in 2-qt. saucepan sprayed with nonstick spray until onion is golden brown and tender. Add water, spices, and tomato sauce. Boil gently for 15 min. Add remaining ingredients and boil 15 min longer, or until pasta is tender.

This is great served with fresh, hot bread.

The blog "A Veggie Venture" is focusing on veggie-based soups this month. To find out more, follow the link.
http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2007/02/februarys-focus-soup-glorious-soup.html

For a bread recipe to go with the soup, see my next posting:
http://alyzarin.blogspot.com/2007/02/you-need-bread-to-go-with-soup.html