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Category: Soups & Stews

Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli

1 lb. extra lean ground beef

6 oz. Onion; chopped

7 oz. Carrots; slivered

7 oz. Celery; diced

24 oz. Tomatoes; canned, diced

1 C. cooked Red Kidney beans

1 C. cooked White kidney beans

44 oz. ff beef broth

1.5 tsp. Oregano

1 1/4 tsp. Pepper

2 1/2 tsp. Parsley; (fresh chopped)

3/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce

24 oz. Spaghetti sauce

4 oz. dry pasta Shell macaroni; or other pasta

 

Sauté beef in oil in large 10-qt. pot until beef starts to brown. Add onions, carrots, celery and tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse beans and add to the pot. Also add beef stock, oregano, pepper, Tabasco, spaghetti sauce, and noodles. Add chopped parsley. Simmer until celery and carrots are tender, about 45 minutes

 

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Poor Man’s Shrimp Bisque

Poor Man’s Shrimp Bisque

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and cut into thirds, shells reserved

4 cups homemade chicken broth (or canned if you don’t have any made)

6 cups water

2 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 cup flour

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Melt the butter in a large pot, add onions, garlic, and flour, and cook for a minute or so. Add chicken broth and water. Stir until the flour dissolves into the liquid. Drop in the shrimp shells and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, then scoop out the shrimp shells and discard. Add cayenne pepper, tomato paste, and shrimp, and cook for 5 more minutes. Scoop out the shrimp with a slotted spoon, and place in a blender. Make sure you don’t fill the blender too much, and be really really careful – it’s going to be hot. Blend until smooth. Now add the pureed mixture back into the pot of stock, and also pour in the milk. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

 

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Tortilla Soup with Pasilla Chile and Avocado

Tortilla Soup with Pasilla Chile and Avocado

bayless6 corn tortillas

vegetable oil to a depth of 1/2 inch for frying

4 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole

1 small white onion, sliced

2 dried pasilla (or 1 dried ancho) chiles, stemmed, seeded and torn into several flat pieces

One 15-ounce can good-quality whole tomatoes in juice, drained or 12 ounces (2 medium-small round) ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped

6 C. good chicken broth

1 large sprig fresh epazote if you have it

6 ounces Mexican queso fresco or other crumbly fresh cheese*

1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 large lime, cut into wedges

 

*Such as salted, pressed farmer’s cheese or feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes or 6 ounces Mexican melting cheese (Chihuahua, quesillo, asadero or the like) or Monterey Jack, brick or mild cheddar, shredded (you’ll have about 1 1/2 C.)

 

FRYING THE TORTILLAS. Cut the tortillas in half, then into 1/4-inch strips. In a medium-large (4-quart) saucepan, heat the 1/2 inch of oil over medium to 350 degrees F. (Using a thermometer is most accurate, but there are other reliable clues: the oil releases that “hot oil” aroma and its surface begins shimmering. Without a thermometer, test the edge of a tortilla strip to insure that it sizzles vigorously. Remember smoking oil is dangerously overheated and will give the tortilla strips a bad taste.) Add half the tortilla strips. Stir around in the oil nearly constantly until they are golden-brown and crispy. With the slotted spoon, scoop them out and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.  OTHER PRELIMINARIES. Pour off all but a thin coating of hot oil in the saucepan and return to the heat. Add the garlic and onion to the oil and cook, stirring regularly, until golden, about 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the garlic and onion, pressing them against the side of the pan to leave behind as much oil as possible. Transfer garlic and onion to a blender or food processor. Add the chile pieces to the hot pan. Turn quickly as they fry, toast and release a delicious aroma – about 30 seconds in all. Too much frying/toasting will make them bitter. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set the pan aside.  THE BROTH. Add the tomatoes to the blender containing the garlic and onion, and process to a smooth puree. (If using fresh tomatoes, strain the puree to get rid of the pieces of tomato skin.) Set the saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the puree and stir nearly constantly until it has thickened to the consistency of tomato paste, about 10 minutes. Add the broth and epazote, bring to a boil, then partially cover and gently simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Taste and season with salt, usually 1/2 tsp. depending on the saltiness of your broth. SERVING THE SOUP. When you’re ready to serve, divide the cheese and avocado among the soup bowls. Ladle a portion of the broth into each bowl, top with a portion of the tortilla strips and crumble on a little toasted chile. Carry these satisfying bowls of soup to the table and offer your guests wedges of lime to squeeze in to their liking. WORKING AHEAD: Steps 2 and 3 can be completed several days ahead (which means you’ll have the soup virtually ready to serve). The tortilla strips (Step I) will begin to taste stale if not fried the day they’re served. Store made-ahead soup in the refrigerator, covered.

 

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

1 or 2 jalapeño chile peppers, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14.5 onces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup fat free sour cream

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

4 ounces reduced-fat tortilla chips, crushed

 

In a food processor or blender, combine the tomatoes (with juice), black pepper, chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and hot-pepper sauce. Process to a smooth, thick consistency and set aside. Warm the oil in a large pot over medium high heat. When hot, cook the chicken, onion, jalapeño pepper, and garlic, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Reduce the heat to low, add the tomato mixture and broth, and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until a smooth paste forms. Add to the soup and raise the temperature if necessary to keep the soup just barely boiling. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the sour cream, and stir until well blended. Stir in the cilantro, garnish with the tortilla chips, and serve.

 

 

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Kapusniak Polish Sauerkraut Soup

Kapusniak Polish Sauerkraut Soup

2 pounds smoked pork shanks

1 quart water

1 onion, well browned

1 quart sauerkraut juice

1/4 C. sugar

1/4 C. cream

1 egg

1 T. flour

3/4 C. milk

 

Cook meat in water until well done. Add onion, sauerkraut juice and sugar. Beat egg; add flour, milk and cream. Add to soup and bring to a boil. Serve with potato

 

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Asparagus Soup with Saffron

Asparagus Soup with Saffron

aspsoup4 1/2-5 C. vegetable stock

1/4 tsp. saffron threads

3 1/2-4 lbs. asparagus

4 T. unsalted butter

1 large russet potato

1/2 C. heavy cream or milk, optional

Salt and pepper

1/4 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 1/2 C. small croutons, optional

 

In small saucepan, bring 1/2 C. stock to boil over high heat. Add crushed saffron; remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Trim off tough stem ends from asparagus, and then cut each spear into 2-inch lengths. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add asparagus pieces and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add potato (peeled and diced), saffron infusion and 4 C. stock. Bring to gentle boil over medium heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until asparagus and potato are very soft, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return puree to pan; heat gently to serving temperature. Add cream or milk (if using) and season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add remaining 1/2 C. stock if soup is too thick. Ladle soup into warmed bowls. Top each serving with equal amount of chopped parsley and croutons (each about 1/2 inch square), if desired. Serve at once.

 

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Roasted Corn Poblano Chowder

Roasted Corn Poblano Chowder

2 T. butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1/4 C. plus 1 T. flour

6 C. veggie stock

2 C. milk

1 1/2lbs new potatoes, unpeeled & diced

3 poblano chilies, roasted & chopped

1 16oz package frozen corn

1 red pepper, roasted & chopped

a couple good pinches of cayenne pepper

 soup

In a large pot, melt the butter and add onion, celery & garlic. Reduce to low and add the flour, stirring to make a roux. Cook over low heat to allow the flour to cook out. Turn heat to high and slowly whish in the stock. Add the milk & bring soup to a rolling simmer, stirring often. Add the potatoes, chilies, peppers and corn. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through. Add cayenne pepper to taste. Top with goodies like: a squeeze of fresh lime juice, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, or grated sharp cheddar cheese.

 

 

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Butternut Squash and Beef Stew

Butternut Squash and Beef Stew

stew3 T. olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 T. minced fresh rosemary

1 T. chopped fresh thyme

2 lb. stew beef, cut into 2-inch cubes

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

2 T. all-purpose flour

1 C. Marsala wine

1 lb. butternut squash, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes

1/4 C. chopped sun-dried tomatoes

3 to 4 C. beef broth

2 T. fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley

Crusty bread, for serving

 

In a large soup pot heat 3 T. of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, rosemary, and thyme and sauté until the onions are tender, about 2 minutes. Toss the beef cubes in salt and pepper and flour. Turn up the heat to med-high and add the beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and golden around the edges, about 5 minutes. Add the Marsala wine. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir up all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the butternut squash and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine. Add enough beef broth to just cover the beef and squash. Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Season the stew with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread alongside.

 

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Lemony Lentil Soup

Lemony Lentil Soup

Lemony Lentil Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium white onion, peeled and diced

2 medium carrots, diced

5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)

1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed and picked over

2/3 cup whole-kernel corn

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon curry powder

(optional) pinch each of saffron and cayenne

zest and juice of 1 small lemon

fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

 

Sauté the veggies (optional). Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot.  Add oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add onion and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.  Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.  Press “Cancel”. Cook. Stir in the vegetable stock, lentils, corn, cumin, curry powder (plus saffron and cayenne, if using) until combined. Cover the pot and set vent to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release. Blend. Using either a hand blender or traditional blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.  (If using a traditional blender, please see notes below.) Season. Stir in the lemon zest and juice until combined.  Taste and season the soup with a generous pinch or two of fine sea salt and black pepper, as needed. Serve. Serve warm, garnished with an extra fresh lemon slice if desired.

Manhattan-Style Clam Chowder

Manhattan-Style Clam Chowder

1/4 lb. salt pork or bacon, diced

1 C. chopped onion

2 medium carrots, diced

3 ribs celery, sliced

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 cans clams (approx. 7 oz. each) minced clams with liquid

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 tsp. dried leaf thyme, crumbled

2 1/2 C. diced potatoes, about 3 medium peeled potatoes

 

Brown bacon in a large skillet; add onions and cook until onions are tender. Transfer to slow cooker and add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours.

 

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Chicken Mulligatawny

Chicken Mulligatawny

Chicken Mulligatawny6 chicken thighs

8 C. water

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. whole black peppercorns

A few celery leaves

2 medium onions

4 whole cloves

1 T. ground coriander

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground fennel

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

2 dry red chilies, seeded

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger

2-inch stick cinnamon

1 lb. ripe tomatoes, diced

2 tsp. oil

1 bay leaf

3 zucchini cut in chunks

1/4 lb. mushrooms

1 C. thick coconut milk (regular or low-fat)

Lemon juice to taste

 

Place chicken in a large pan with enough water to cover. Add salt, peppercorns, celery leaves and one onion peeled and stuck with the whole cloves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add spices, garlic, ginger and tomatoes and simmer until chicken is tender. Remove chicken. Cool and dice meat and return it to the stock. In a fry pay, fry remaining sliced onion and bay leaf in oil until onion is browned. Add this along with the zucchini and mushrooms to the soup. Cook an additional 5 minutes. Reduce heat, stir in coconut milk and reheat to the simmering point. Turn off heat and add lemon juice to sharpen the flavor.

 

 

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Hearty Smoked Sausage Stew

Hearty Smoked Sausage Stew

1 lb. dried kidney beans

1–46oz can chicken broth or your own{3-4 C. s}

2 C. water

1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced

1 C.  barley

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. thyme

 

The night before, rinse beans, place in alg bowl with plenty of water to cover, & soak overnight.   Drain & rinse beans. Put all ingredients in a large crock pot, stir cover, & cook on low for 8-10 hours.

 

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Not Quite Traditional Oyster Stew

Not Quite Traditional Oyster Stew

This recipe calls for paprika and fresh parsley, both of which would be considered optional, if not sacrilege, by lovers of traditional oyster stew. Some cooks would remove the oysters after the initial cooking, then return them to the pot just before serving to ensure the shellfish do not overcook.

4 T. butter
1 pint standard oysters, undrained
1 quart milk
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
1/16 tsp. paprika
4 T. finely chopped fresh parsley

In medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add oysters and cook just until edges begin to curl, about 5 minutes. Add milk, salt, pepper and paprika. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated and oysters are done, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not boil. Pour into serving bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with oyster crackers. Serves 4 to 6.

Thai Lemongrass Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong)

Thai Lemongrass Soup with Shrimp (Tom Yum Goong)

thai1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

4 C. low-sodium chicken broth

2 to 3 lemongrass stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths

2 Serrano chiles seeded and chopped (see head note)

1 Tbs. Thai or Korean roasted chile paste (optional)

1/2 lb. medium shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 C. drained canned straw mushrooms (any fresh mushrooms may be substituted)

Juice of half a lime

Chopped fresh cilantro for serving

 

Finely chop half of the ginger. To a large pot, add the chopped ginger, the remaining chunk of ginger, the chicken broth, lemongrass and chiles. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the chile paste if using, the shrimp and the mushrooms to the pot. Simmer until shrimp are firm and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Discard the large pieces of lemongrass, ginger and chiles (if you opted not to chop them). Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with cilantro.

 

 

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Sweet Pea Soup with Parmigiano Toast

Sweet Pea Soup with Parmigiano Toast

soup2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 large yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 T. fresh thyme leaves, chopped

salt and fresh ground black pepper

a couple dashes of hot sauce

2 10oz boxes frozen peas

1 quart chicken stock or broth

1/2 C. heavy cream or half-and-half

8 slices baguette

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/4 C. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

zest and juice of 1 lemon

 

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat with the EVOO. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the crispy bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon to drain on a paper towel. Add the onions, garlic, and thyme to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Add the frozen peas and continue to cook until the peas are defrosted and heated through, 2-3 minutes. Transfer the onions and peas to a blender or food processor with 1/2 C. of the chicken stock and puree until smooth. Add the pureed peas back to the soup pot and stir in the remaining chicken stock and the cream, bring up to a simmer, and cook for about 8-10 minutes. While the soup is simmering, toast the baguette slices until golden brown in the broiler or toaster oven. In a bowl, mix the Parmigiano with the reserved crispy bacon and the parsley. Once the toast is nice and golden, sprinkle the bacon-Parmigiano mixture over the bread and return to the broiler or toaster oven to melt and lightly brown the cheese. To finish the soup, add the lemon zest and juice, stir to combine, and transfer the soup to serving bowls. Float 2 Parmigiano toasts on top of each soup bowl and serve immediately.

 

 

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Taco Soup in the Crock Pot

Taco Soup in the Crock Pot

1 lb. ground beef

1 (1.12-oz.) taco seasoning packet

1/4 C. water

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, undrained

1 (15-oz.) can Texas ranch beans, undrained

1 (16-oz.) can kidney beans, undrained

1 (16-oz.) can chili beans, undrained

1 (15.25-oz.) can corn, drained

1 (24-oz.) jar Picante sauce

 

Brown ground beef over medium-high heat on stove-top. Drain fat.  Add in taco seasoning and 1/4 C. water. Put beef in slow cooker. Add all other ingredients.  Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips, if desired.

 

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Greek Stew

Greek Stew

4 chicken breasts

2 cans stewed diced tomatoes

1 can quartered artichoke hearts with juice

15-20 pitless Kalamata olives

1 box of instant couscous

Feta cheese (optional)

 

Lightly spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place chicken breasts in bottom of the pot. Pour in stewed diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts and olives, and stir. Cover and cook on medium for six hours or on low for eight hours. To serve, prepare some five-minute instant couscous and put a serving in a bowl. Place one piece of chicken on top, spoon broth over the meat and then lightly sprinkle with feta cheese, if desired.

 

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Tomato Pesto Soup

Tomato Pesto Soup

 

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, shredded

3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped

14 oz. can diced tomatoes with seasonings, undrained

6 oz. can tomato paste

1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves

1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

2 C. water

2 C. vegetable broth or chicken stock

1 C. instant rice

1/2 C. pesto

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Combine all ingredients except for rice, pesto, and cheese in a 3-4 quart crock pot and mix to blend. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Stir in instant rice, then cover and let stand 6-8 minutes until rice is tender. In small bowl, combine pesto and cheese and blend; serve with soup.

 

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Spicy White Chicken Chili

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Spicy White Chicken Chili

3 (15-oz.) cans Great Northern beans, undrained

1 (16-oz.) jar salsa

1 (4-oz.) can green chilies

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut in bit-size pieces

1 C. chicken broth

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. chili powder

1 (8-oz.) pkg. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 (8-oz.) pkg. Colby Cheddar cheese

 

Put beans, salsa, chilies, chicken breasts, chicken broth, cumin and chili powder into slow cooker.  Cook on Low for 7 hours. Add in cheeses and cook for an additional hour. Stir and serve.

 

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New World Chili

New World Chili

 

1 lb. turkey breast tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 28-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 8-oz. can tomato sauce

1 C. peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash or pumpkin

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 C. chicken broth

1/2 C. frozen whole kernel corn

1/2 C. dried cranberries

1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 T. chili powder

1 clove garlic, minced

Chicken broth

2 C. shredded fresh spinach

4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers, shredded (1 C.)

 

In a 5-quart slow cooker combine turkey, undrained tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, squash, onion, the 1/2 C. chicken broth, corn, cranberries, jalapeño pepper, chili powder, and garlic.  Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. If desired, stir in additional broth to reach desired consistency. Stir in spinach just before serving. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

 

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Souped Up Party

Souped Up Party

Soup spells comfort ― in my dictionary, anyway ― and that’s exactly what many people yearn for after the overindulgent holiday season. A mug or bowl of steaming broth can soothe frayed nerves and recharge party conversation to get the new year off to a happy start. Best of all, a selection of soups is a simple way to entertain casually. Our flavorful soups range from thin to thick, and all make enough to feed a crowd ― they can even be made in advance. Make one soup for 8 to 12 guests, or serve all four for a big group.

Fruit and Cheese Platter
Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup
Steak and Mushroom Soup
Leek & Fennel Chowder with Smoked Salmon
Creamy Garlic Spinach Soup with Garlic Croutons
Soup Toppers
Herbed Foccacia sticks, crusty breads, Cheese Twists, breadsticks, Mini Muffins and/or rolls
Butter and/or EVOO
Petite Desert Options – Small Wedges of Brownies or Cheesecake, A good Chocolate Bar, Fruit

Asian Chicken and Chili Soup

Asian Chicken and Chili Soup

6 C. chicken broth

2 red bell peppers, (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced lengthwise and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

2 T. soy sauce

1 to 3 tsp. Asian hot chili sauce

3 C. (12 oz. s) diced poached chicken

1 bunch (6 oz. s) watercress, large stems trimmed

2 scallions, thinly sliced lengthwise and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

 

In a 3-quart saucepan, bring broth, bell peppers, soy sauce, and chili sauce to a simmer; cook until peppers are crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Add chicken and watercress; cook 1 minute. Ladle into bowls, and top with scallions.

Papa al Pomodoro

Papa al Pomodoro

3 T. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus some for drizzling

4-6 garlic cloves, chopped

1 medium to large onion, finely chopped

1 15oz can petite diced tomatoes

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 quart chicken stock or broth

4 C. chopped or torn stale bread (about 1/2 pound)

2 15oz cans small white beans, such as Goya brand (smaller than cannellini beans)

1/2 C. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, to pass at the table

10 fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

 

Heat a medium soup pot over medium heat. Add the 3 T. EVOO, the garlic and three fourths of the onions. Cook 7-8 minutes, then add the diced and crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add the stock and raise the heat to make the soup bubble. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the bread and beans. Stir the soup as it simmers until it thickens to stew-like consistency. A wooden spoon should be able to stand upright in the pot. Turn off the heat, adjust the seasonings and ladle the soup into shallow bowls. Top with grated cheese, an additional drizzle of EVOO, a spoonful of the remaining finely chopped raw onions, and torn basil. The basil, and only the basil, is optional.

 

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Cheese Enchilada Chowder

Cheese Enchilada Chowder

cheese enchilada chowder

1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

1 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn

1/2 C. chopped onion

1/2 C. chopped yellow, green or red sweet pepper

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded, if desired, and finely chopped

1 19-ounce can enchilada sauce

1 10-3/4-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

2 C. milk

1 C. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces)

1 C. shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Dairy sour cream (optional)

Guacamole (optional)

Tortilla chips, coarsely broken (optional)

In a 3-1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker combine black beans, tomatoes, frozen corn, onion, sweet pepper, and jalapeño pepper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together enchilada sauce and soup. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Pour sauce mixture over ingredients in cooker.  Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls. If desired, top each serving with sour cream, guacamole and tortilla chips.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 374

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Fast Pea Soup

Fast Pea Soup

1 10 oz. package frozen peas

2 green onions, chopped

2 C. low-fat reduced sodium chicken broth

1/2 tsp. dill weed

8 oz. plain lowfat yogurt

 

Combine peas, onions, 1/4 C. of the chicken broth and dill in microwave safe dish.  Cover and cook on high till peas are extremely tender (8-10 minutes).  Cool, then add the rest of the chicken broth.  Pour half of the pea mixture into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.  Transfer to another container and process the rest.  Cover the pea mixture and chill until serving time.

 

With a wire whisk, blend in 8 oz. of yogurt.  Garnish each serving bowl with an extra dollop of yogurt, if desired.

 

Fat Smash Baked Bean and Chicken Stew

Fat Smash Baked Bean and Chicken Stew

4 oz. Roasted Skinless Chicken Breasts

2 oz. Bush’s Best Homestyle Baked Beans

2 oz. S&W Butter Beans

2 oz. Progresso Dark Red Kidney Beans

1/4 C. chopped White Onion

2-2/3 tsp. Del Monte Ketchup

2 tsp. Country Dijon Mustard

2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. B&G Dark Molasses

1 tsp. Brown Sugar

 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in an oven safe casserole dish. Mix until all ingredients are blended. Bake, uncovered, for 55 to 60 minutes.

Fat Smash Turkey Kielbasa Stew

Fat Smash Turkey Kielbasa Stew

1/4 lb. Oscar Mayer Louis Rich Turkey Kielbasa

1 tsp. Shredded Swiss Cheese

3/8 Medium Apple

2 White Onion Rings

1/3 lb. Red Potatoes

1/4 lb. Sauerkraut

1/4 C. Chicken Stock

1 pinch Ground Caraway Seeds

 

Place half the sliced Kielbasa in a crockpot and top with sauerkraut. Cover with remaining sliced kielbasa, cored apple rings and onion rings. Top with quartered potatoes. Add chicken stock and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Cover and cook on high heat 4 hours or until potatoes are tender. Serve sprinkled with shredded swiss cheese.

Fat Smash Carrot Soup

Fat Smash Carrot Soup

1 tsp. Butter

10 Carrots, chopped

1 small Onion, chopped

5 C. Vegetable or Beef Broth

3 tsp. Curry Powder

1/4 C. Brown Rice

1 tsp. minced Ginger

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

Parsley Sprig, Bay Leaves, Salt and Pepper

 

Melt butter in medium skillet. Add carrots and onion and sauté until soft, approximately 10-15 minutes. Next add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Remove parsley and bay leaves; pour mixture into blender (in batches) and puree. Serve hot or cold. 4 servings

Fat Smash Seafood Gumbo with Brown Rice

Fat Smash Seafood Gumbo with Brown Rice

1 lb raw seafood, in any combination of fish or shrimp

1⁄3 C. whole wheat flour

1⁄3 C. olive oil

1 C. onion

3 cloves garlic

1 C. celery

1 C. green pepper

3 T. file powder

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 1⁄2 quarts vegetable stock

1 1⁄2 C. okra

1 C. tomatoes

1 T. each fresh oregano, basil ,thyme

1⁄2 lb seafood sausage, cooked and sliced (optional) – available at specialty markets

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz brown rice

1 quart water

Salt to taste

 

Heat olive oil over medium-low heat and add flour. Stir into a paste and cook for several minutes until a rich nutty brown. This mixture is called a “roux.” Add diced onion, garlic, celery and green pepper to roux and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Roux will cling to vegetables. Add seafood and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add file powder and cayenne powder. Add chicken stock and bring mixture to a simmer for ten minutes, stirring constantly. Add okra and tomatoes (and sausage if using) and cook for 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt. To make brown rice, bring rice, 1 quart of water, and salt to boil in an uncovered pot. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes.

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

Fat Smash Hearty Black Bean Soup

1 lb. black beans (soaked in water overnight or for at least 6 hours)

2 medium onions, chopped

2 small carrots, chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. soy sauce

1 T. fresh lemon juice

 

Drain the beans. Put them in a large pot and add water to cover. Simmer beans until they are soft, about 1 1/2 hours. Sauté’ onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil. Add garlic, oregano, cumin, and soy sauce. Cook, while stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables to the beans. Cook for another 30 minutes. Add more water if necessary. Just before serving, add the lemon juice.

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

Fat Smash Greek Vegetable Stew with Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Olive Oil

2 C. diced Onion

1 1/2 C. diced Green Bell Pepper

2 C. sliced Mushrooms

2 C. sliced Artichoke Hearts

1 tsp. Cumin

1 pinch Cinnamon

2 tsp. Minced Garlic

1 1/2 qt. Vegetable Stock

3 C. Roma Tomatoes, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 C. cooked (or rinsed canned) Garbanzo Beans

1 tsp. Lemon Juice

1/3 C. Kalamata Olives, pitted and sliced

1 tsp. minced fresh Oregano

2 tsp. minced Mint

2 tsp. minced Dill

1/2 C. crumbled Feta Cheese

 

In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over high heat and add onion, pepper, mushrooms, artichokes, cumin and cinnamon. Cook until golden brown, approximately five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and stir. Cook for 30 seconds just until the aromas are released. Add stock and simmer for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and garbanzo beans and simmer an additional five minutes. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, olives and herbs and serve in bowls garnished with crumbled feta.

Aria’s Creamless Mushroom Soup

Aria’s Creamless Mushroom Soup

 

2 T. olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

1 celery root, peeled and diced

1 leek, white part only, washed well and diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. shiitake, chanterelle, porcini and/or morel mushrooms

1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt

1 quart chicken stock

Kosher salt and pepper

 

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent; do not brown. Add celery root and leek; continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, season with 1/2 tsp. (or to taste) salt and cook until liquid released from mushrooms has almost evaporated. Add enough chicken stock to cover 1 inch above mushrooms. Simmer gently for 30 minutes.  Place all ingredients in a blender and carefully blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Andrea’s Alphabet Soup

Andrea’s Alphabet Soup

 

2 tsp. olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 garlic clove, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 C. carrots, diced

2 14-oz. cans tomatoes, peeled with liquid

1 pint tomato juice

kosher salt and pepper

3 oz. alphabet pasta

10 oz. box frozen petit peas, or 1 C. frozen edamame (out of the pod)

 

Chop onion, garlic and celery. Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook onion, garlic and celery over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until soft and transparent but not browned. Stir in tomatoes and their juice. Chop carrots and add them, tomato juice and seasoning. Bring to boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. In a hand blender or food processor, blend a third of soup until smooth, then return it to pan. Heat to boiling, then add pasta and cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes, until pasta is cooked. During last three minutes of cooking, add frozen peas or edamame.

An Optimist’s Turkey Stew

An Optimist’s Turkey Stew

 

2 C. diced carrots

2 C. thinly sliced celery

2 C. diced onions

4 C. diced potatoes

4 C. chopped leftover roasted turkey

2 C. water

1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 soup can chicken broth

2 or 3 bay leaves

1 C. baby green peas

1 C. corn

Salt and pepper to taste

A dash of nutmeg, optional

A dash of Tabasco, optional

Large Kaiser or Sourdough rolls

 

In a large saucepan of Dutch oven, heat 1 T. oil and 1/2 T. butter, or spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. Add carrots, celery, and onions and sauté until tender. Add potatoes and water, bring to a simmer and cook just until potatoes are crisp tender.  Add turkey, milk, soup, chicken broth, bay leaves and cook until mixture is hot and all vegetables are tender. Gently stir in peas and corn, season with salt, pepper, add nutmeg, if desired. Simmer for a few minutes, 5 to 10 minutes. Cut off the top of rolls, hollow out the inside, making a bread bowl. Press inside of bread rolls with your finger tips, place rolls and their tops on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just until a little crusty and golden. Ladle stew into bread bowl and garnish with thyme sprigs or sage leaves. Serve with roll tops.

Al the ‘Soup Nazi’ Seafood Bisque

Al the ‘Soup Nazi’ Seafood Bisque

 

2 C. dry White Wine

1 Bay leaf

1 Onion, roughly chopped

1 clove Garlic

2 ribs Celery

1 Lobster (1 to 1 1/2 lbs.)

12 medium Shrimp, in the shell

24 mussels, well scrubbed

12 Sea Scallops

4 C. Heavy Whipping Cream

1 C. Milk

1 tsp. dried Thyme

1 T. minced fresh Parsley

1/4 tsp. dried Rosemary

1 C. fresh Spinach, well rinsed and washed

1/2 C. grated Carrot

1/2 tsp. fresh Lemon Juice

 

Combine white wine, bay leaf, onion, garlic, and celery in a noncreative large stockpot over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Add the lobster; cover the pot and steam for 10 minutes. Remove the lobster. Add the Shrimp, cover the pot, and steam for 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp with tongs. Add the mussels, cover the pot, and steam until they open, about 5 minutes. Remove the mussels with tongs, extract the meat and discard the shells. Discard any (mussels sic) that do not open. Add 2 C. water to the liquid in the pot, bring to a boil and then add the scallops. Cover the pot and steam for 3 minutes. Remove the scallops with the tongs. Extract the lobster meat, reserving the shells. Peel and devein the shrimp, reserving the shells. Chop the meat into bite-size pieces, cover and set aside. Return the seafood shells to the pot of broth and add 2 C. water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the broth, and return it to the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer over low heat. Add the cream, milk, thyme, parsley, and rosemary and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the lobster, shrimp, mussels, and scallops, and simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the spinach, carrots, and simmer for another 2 minutes to just wilt the spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in the lemon juice.

After Five Bean Soup

After Five Bean Soup

 

2 T. butter

1/2 C. diced onion

1/4 C. diced carrots

2 diced zucchini

1 can (16-ounce) spicy pinto beans

1 can (16-ounce) refried beans

1 very small seeded and diced Anaheim pepper

1 (14-1/2-ounce) chicken broth

1 whole chicken breast, cooked and diced

Cilantro and chopped chives

Salsa and avocados

Cheddar cheese and sour cream

Fritos or Doritos

 

Melt butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and zucchini and sauté until tender (6 to 8 minutes). Add beans, broth, and chicken and simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with choice of toppings.

Acorn Squash, Pear and Adzuki Soup with Sautéed Shiitakes

Acorn Squash, Pear and Adzuki Soup with Sautéed Shiitakes

2 T. peanut oil

1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/4 inch thin slices

1 red pepper, cut into 1/4 inch thin slices

2 tsp. minced ginger

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice

2 acorn squashes, seeded, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks

2 firm bosc pears, peeled, seeds removed and sliced into thin slices (roughly one inch long)

4 C. vegetable broth

15 oz can adzuki beans, drained and rinsed (about a C. and a half)

1 T. fresh lime juice

4 oz fresh shiitakes, sliced in half (about a C. and a half)

2 tsp. peanut oil

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 T. soy sauce

 

Preheat a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil and sauté the onions and peppers for about 10 minutes, or until onions just begin to brown. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté a minute more. Add the salt, Chinese five spice, acorn squash and pear and cook for another minute, stirring often. Add the vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, set the heat to medium-low to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Puree half the soup by transferring half the soup to a food processor or blender and then back into the rest of the soup. Add the adzuki beans and lime. Cover and simmer on low, just until the beans are heated through. While the soup is heating, prepare the mushrooms. Preheat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat. Add the oils and sauté the mushrooms for about 7 minutes, until they are soft. Add the soy sauce and stir constantly until the soy sauce is absorbed (about 1 minute). Ladle soup into bowls and top with sautéed mushrooms.

About 15-minute Soup with Spinach, Artichokes and Tortellini

About 15-minute Soup with Spinach, Artichokes and Tortellini

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (or EVOO, to Ray fans)

6 cremini (baby portobello) or white mushrooms, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

6 C. chicken stock or broth

1 12- to 16-oz. package fresh refrigerated tortellini, any variety

1 lb. fresh triple-washed spinach, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese

Crusty bread, to pass at the table

 

Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the EVOO, mushrooms and onions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, add the artichokes and stock, raise the heat and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini to the pot and return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the tortellini floats and is cooked through. Fold in the spinach until it has all wilted into the soup. Turn off the heat and serve the soup. Top shallow bowls of soup with cheese and pass bread at the table.

Abalone Chowder

Abalone Chowder

2 abalone, cleaned and pounded

2 lb. fish (any white fish)

6-7 medium new/red potatoes, chopped

1leek

1/2 head white cabbage, chopped

3-4 carrots, chopped

1 to 2 quarts half and half

1/2 to 1 gallon 2% milk

1 lb. mushrooms, sliced

5-6 cloves garlic, chopped

 

Sauté abalone in garlic and butter, and chop into bite sized chunks. Sauté mushrooms in butter. Put aside half of fish and abalone and throw everything else into a large pot. Add half and half and enough 2% milk to cover 3/4 of the stuff. Add pepper. Simmer until the potatoes are nearly done, stirring often. Add remaining fish and abalone; simmer until potatoes are completely done.

 

Yield:

Calories:

Fat:

Fiber:

60 Minute Oven Sirloin Steak Stew

60 Minute Oven Sirloin Steak Stew

1 lb sirloin steak cut in strips

4 small new potatoes cut in 1/4-inch wedges

1/2 lb frozen green bean, French cut, thawed

6 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 small yellow onion cut in small wedges

1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick broiled steak seasoning or McCormick’s Season All

1/2 teaspoon McCormick thyme leaves

1/4 teaspoon McCormick black pepper

 

Combine first five ingredients in metal 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients with a whisk. Pour over meat and vegetables. Cover baking pan with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 40 minutes. Carefully uncover and stir meat and vegetables. Cover and bake an additional 20 minutes.  Uncover and stir stew before serving.