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When the hubs comes in the door after a long day of working, his normal comment is, “Something smells good – that Susie’s made soup!” He loves soup. My soup! When someone likes what you make, it is natural to want to make it again, or another version, or a totally new recipe to hear those words…

Something smells good!

And, today, that something is Italian Vegetable Soup. This is a hearty, main dish zuppa! Crusty bread and a salad is all you need to add to it for a well-balanced dinner. Vegetarians? Substitute 2 cups of cooked Quinoa for the meat and you’ll get those rich amino’s and protein…

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-16 oz diced tomatoes
• 1-15 oz tomato sauce
• 1-15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 5 t beef bouillon granules (or cubes or whatever you like to use)
• 1 T dried parsley flakes
• 1 t salt
• 1/2 t oregano
• 1/2 t sweet basil
• 1/4 t black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or a package of pre-shredded slaw from the produce area)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup small elbow macaroni
• Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Brown beef in large Dutch over type pan; drain.
2. Add all ingredients except for cabbage, green beans and macaroni.
3. Bring to a bubbling boil then lower heart and cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Add cabbage, green beans and macaroni; bring to a bubbling boil again and then simmer until these three added items are done to your liking.
5. For a thinner soup, add more water or broth.
6. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Yields about 12 servings.

Bon Appetit!