I Prefer Hot Cocoa
Friday 29 September 2006
Italian "Leftover" Soup

Posted in Recipes

I just love soups! They're delicious, versatile and easy.

Here is the basic recipe for one of my favorites -- I call it Italian Leftover Soup because I frequently use whatever I have on hand that needs to be used up.  This recipe is just a starting point, as it varies almost every time I make it, depending on what I have on hand.



Italian Leftover Soup

1 lb. ground beef or Italian Sausage, browned and drained (optional)
2 cans tomatoes
4 to 6 cups chicken broth (more is okay, too)
2 to 4 cups frozen Italian veggie mix
1 pkg. (25 ounce) Frozen Ravioli or Tortellini
Seasonings, to taste (garlic and basil or Italian Seasoning).

Add tomatoes and broth to meat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.  Add veggies and simmer another 5 minutes.  Add Ravioli, simmer 5 to 10 minutes more.

Serve with Parmesan and shredded Mozarella cheeses, and garlic bread.

Now, what I love about this recipe is that I can just use what I have on hand, and it still comes out great!  Following are some suggested variations.

Use 1 to 2 cups leftover spaghetti sauce instead of tomatoes.  No chicken broth? Beef broth works well, making a bit heartier tasting soup -- in a pinch, you can even use water. 

Fresh veggies are best, if you have them on hand -- try carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.  I LOVE to add a little spinach or kale to this recipe and let it simmer a little longer.  I've also added a can of rinsed kidney beans, and gotten delicious results.  This soup, as with most soups, is also a great way to use up all those dibs and dabs of leftover veggies in your fridge.

No Ravioli or Tortellini? Just break up some spaghetti or use whatever pasta you have on hand.  You can't really go wrong.



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Comments

Monday 9 October 2006 - yummy!

Posted by


I'll have to try this out... my big thing right now is I just found out I'm allergic to milk. Bummer huh? It could have been worse... so anyways, I'll have to try it with some of the spinach pasta or something... do they use milk to make noodles? I've never looked before!

UPDATE: I made this tonight (no milk in noodles).. used shells and just threw a bunch of stuff in.. I also used Italian stews tomatoes to help season - it was a BIG hit! Thanks so much for sharing! Oh - and TAG-YOUR-IT!! LOL! :)

Edited by littleskipper on Oct. 11, 2006 at 8:35 PM


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Wednesday 11 October 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by littleskipper


oh no - I just saw you're a no tag zone... I AM SO SORRY!!! *blush*

Just ignore... sorry sorry sorry!!!!

hugz


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Sunday 22 October 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by grace4gayle


I love when Fall comes and we can have hot soup and fresh bread for dinner. It's one of my favorite comfort foods. This one looks great!

Gayle
www.spunkychicks.blogspot.com/


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Tuesday 31 October 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mommashepherd


That looks good. Did you post a recipe for dressing in the crock pot? I made it last year and now cannot find the recipe. I really would like to make it again this year.

Jennifer


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