A few Christmas' ago my Grandmother came to visit. While she was here my younger sister and I decided to channel our inner 7-year old and make a crap-ton of sugar cookies complete with all colors of icing and lots of toppings. It was fun.....at first. All of a sudden there were like 72,000 cookies to be decorated and very quickly it seemed more tiring than anything. :-/ Christmas magic, friends. While my sister and I were now slaving away on cookies that we would have to give away for fear of growing a second arse, my Grandmother was busy making a Minestrone soup. It smelled like pizza, and tasted like delicious. That is exactly what I told her when it was done and we all had a bowl. It's one of those great food memories that stuck with me. The soup, not the cookies...damn the cookies.
This recipe is not my grandmothers- this is my lighter, fitter version with added protein because let's be honest, some soups can be less than filling. It has tons of fiber, thanks to lots of veggies and whole wheat pasta, and plenty of flavor. You'll be eating this all week and loving it.
Healthy Minestrone
1 tbs EVOO
1/2 bell pepper chopped
5 cups reduced sodium broth (chicken, beef or veggie) + 1 cup of water
1/2 bell pepper chopped
5 cups reduced sodium broth (chicken, beef or veggie) + 1 cup of water
1.5 teasp dried oregano
1 teasp dried thyme
1 teasp dried thyme
2/3 cup whole wheat pasta (Small, like rotini)
1 lb (16oz bag) frozen "Soup Mix" veggies
1 cup frozen edamame- shelled
1 15oz can diced tomatoes- italian style
1/2 cup diced turkey pepperoni
1/2 cup diced turkey pepperoni
In a small skillet saute the bell pepper with evoo until al dente- about 3-4mins
Meanwhile, in a large pot, combine broth, water, oregano, and thyme. Cook on high heat until boiling, then add pasta and cook about 7 mins. Add in soup veggies and edamame, bring back to a boil. Add the tomatoes and the pepperoni and cook until thoroughly heated.
*Tip: For even more added protein, toss in some diced pre-cooked chicken breasts.
In other news:
My older sister is getting married on Tuesday. Married. Whoa.
I cannot stop watching Big Bang Theory. It may become a problem....
I started my new job on Monday and am really loving it! It's a new schedule so I'm getting up much earlier but I'm sure eventually I will get used to it. I hope.
I got to witness a dance-off in a fourth grade class today. Girls v. boys, dancing to Cupid Shuffle. It was amazing.
SO up my alley! I need soup.... like now-ish =)
ReplyDeleteThere's a little something waiting for you at my blog :) (And the cupid shuffle sounds like I missed out on true greatness)
ReplyDeleteWe have finally been having some cooler weather here in Florida so I am so ready to start trying new soups!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Mealtime Monday!
Kaylee
www.couponingncooking.com
First, I feel like such a dunce because I had to look up EVOO...and then laughed out loud at myself for not figuring out what it meant :-) Second, I cannot wait to try this. I like to cook for my daughters' teachers and this looks like something they will enjoy as the weather continue to cool.
ReplyDelete