Minestrone Soup

This is a nice hearty soup that is filling, full of nutrients, but very low calorie! With these cold months creeping upon us, this is sure to warm the body!

3.5 cups water
2 tsp chicken base
*I've shared the recipe for my chicken base. If you don't have it, just use 2 chicken bullion cubes (or 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder)
*OR just use 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth or stock :)
3 slices thick cut bacon (diced)
1 bunch green onions (thinly sliced)
1 yellow onion (diced)
28oz can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 ribs celery (chopped)
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
2 small zucchini (diced)
15oz can whole new potatoes (diced)
*Some stores have them diced already, that's fine too. I just can't find them anywhere around here.
1 tsp Emeril's Bayou Blast
*This is a recipe I will share since this calls for it, but you can just as easily use your favorite Cajun seasoning. This is literally the only recipe I use it for, so if you don't feel like fooling with it, no biggie.
1 tsp salt
2 15oz cans red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
8oz Datalini pasta

In a large saucepan, heat water and bouillon cubes until cubes are dissolved. Remove from heat.

In large stock pot cook bacon until crispy. Add green and yellow onions. Sauté until soft. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, basil, and red pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add zucchini, potatoes, bayou bash and salt. Return to simmer and cook 45 minutes - 1 hour. Add spinach and beans halfway through.

Prepare pasta as directed al dente. Stir into soup. Cook additional 5-10 minutes.


Emeril's Bayou Blast
2 1/2 TBS paprika
2 TBS salt
2 TBS garlic powder
1 TBS black pepper
1 TBS onion powder
1 TBS cayenne pepper
1 TBS dried oregano
1 TBS dried thyme

Mix all ingredients together in a small, airtight jar.