Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound dried lentils, washed and picked over
8 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon each black pepper and ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
3 bay leaves
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chilies, drained and chopped
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1⁄3 cup fresh lime juice or to taste (or 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in vegetable oil over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add lentils, water, salt, pepper, cumin, thyme or oregano and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium low (250 degrees in an electric skillet). Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the green chilies, red bell pepper and carrots. Simmer 15 more minutes or until the lentils are very soft.
4. Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves and stir in the lime juice. Serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try topping soup with a dollop of sour cream and chopped tomatoes.
• This soup is also good if a potato, another carrot, and celery are added.
• Eliminate the chilies and cumin if you do not want the Mexican flavors.
• Freeze extra lime juice to use later

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups

Ingredients

3 leeks (about 3 cups diced
3 potatoes (about 3 cups diced)
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine
4 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
1⁄4 cup 1% milk
2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Remove root and green tops from leeks.  Slice in half lengthwise and rinse well under running water.  Slice crosswise into ¼ inch slices. 
2. Scrub potatoes well; cut into small cubes.
3. Melt butter or margarine in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add garlic and chopped leeks. Cook until softened.
5. Add potatoes and enough broth to cover.  Cover pan and simmer until potatoes are soft.  Mash with a potato masher or fork until potatoes are fairly smooth. 
6. Add remaining broth, milk and pepper.  Simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Barley Lentil Soup

Barley Lentil Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 can (15 ounces) stewed, diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (see Notes)
3 cups water
1 cup dry lentils
2⁄3 cup barley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in large soup pan over medium-high heat. Cook garlic and onion until they are golden brown, about 1 or 2 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the Ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat so the mixture is at a light simmer. Place a lid on the pan.
3. Cook until the barley and lentils are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Serve hot in a soup bowl.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon
• Use any fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables you have on hand

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Autumn Squash Bisque with Ginger

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
2 cups sliced onions
2 pounds winter squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch cubes (4 generous cups)
2 pears, peeled, cored, and diced, or 1 can (15 ounces) sliced pears, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 Tablespoons coarsely chopped, peeled fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook, stirring constantly until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add squash, pears, garlic, ginger and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
4. Add broth and water; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until squash is tender, 35-45 minutes.
6. Puree soup, in batches if necessary, in a blender. (If using a blender, follow manufacturer’s Directions for pureeing hot liquids.)
7. Return soup to pot and heat through. Stir in lemon juice.
8. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of yogurt.
9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut bite-sized
1 onion, chopped
1 1⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder or 6 cloves garlic
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth (see Notes)
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped mild green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) nonfat sour cream
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan; sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. 
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, for 30 minutes. 
4. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and milk.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use turkey instead of chicken. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Veggie Stew

Veggie Stew

Prep time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup diced onion (1/2 medium onion)
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced in 2” sticks
1 can (about 15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 medium potato, diced
1 zucchini (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable broth granules (or 1 bouillon cube)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a deep pot heat 1 Tablespoon of oil.
2. Add onions and celery and sauté until they are soft.
3. Add the rest of the vegetables, 1 cup water and vegetable broth granules.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer slowly for 30 minutes or until carrots and potatoes are tender.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• If stew gets too dry, add more water.

Sweet Potato Pumpkin Soup

Sweet Potato Pumpkin Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon curry powder
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 cups low-sodium, fat free chicken broth or vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 1⁄2 cups water
1 can (15-ounce) pumpkin
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
3 Tablespoons reduced fat sour cream

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
3. Add ginger, curry, cumin, nutmeg, and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the sweet potato, broth, water, and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the milk until heated through (don’t boil).
6. Ladle into bowls and top with 1/2 tablespoon low-fat sour cream.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.

Spring Fling Chowder

Spring Fling Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups fresh or frozen asparagus, chopped into small pieces
1 large potato, peeled and diced
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or use water) (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 cup peas, frozen or canned and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Sauté onion, asparagus and potato until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken or vegetable broth and corn. Cover and simmer until potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add peas and simmer 2 to 3 more minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with cheese and serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Leave skin on potato for added fiber.
• Try using fresh or frozen broccoli instead of asparagus.
• Try using canned green beans or diced tomatoes instead of peas.

Southern Okra Bean Stew

Southern Okra Bean Stew

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 14 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or 3/4 teaspoons of garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup quick brown rice, uncooked
1 can (14.5 ounce) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 package (16 ounce) frozen, sliced okra
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the water, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
3. Add rice, beans, tomato sauce, and okra. Simmer uncovered 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Add liquid as needed for desired consistency.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute 2 cups cooked rice for the quick rice and reduce water by 1 cup.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

NOODLES
1 1⁄4 cups flour
2 eggs
3 Tablespoons water

SOUP
3 cups water
4 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables, fresh, canned, or frozen
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. For noodles: Put flour in a medium bowl, make a well in center, and add eggs. Mix well. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is stiff but easy to roll.
2. Place dough onto a floured surface. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness using a rolling pin or a sturdy, straight sided drinking glass or jar.
3. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch strips, about 3-5 inches long. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. For soup: In a large pot, add water and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Add noodles a few at a time to water and chicken broth mixture. Bring the soup back to a boil.
6. Add chicken, vegetables, and pepper. Boil for 12-15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Serve warm.
7. Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat flour to include whole grains.
• Freeze extra for another meal.

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1⁄2 head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
2 cans (15 ounces each) cream-style corn
1 cup chopped lean ham (8% fat)
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in 4 quart (or larger) saucepan. Saute onion, cabbage, and potato over medium heat, stirring often, until soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, corn, ham, and pepper.
3. Cover and simmer until potato is tender, about 10 minutes
4. Serve hot, sprinkled with cheese.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Leave skin on potato for added fiber.
• For a vegetarian soup, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and beans for the ham.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 14 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat or less)
1 large carrot, diced, about 1 cup
1 small onion, diced, about 1 cup
2 stalk celery, diced, about 1 cup
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup uncooked barley
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In large sauce pot, cook ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat.
2. Add carrots, onion, celery, and garlic; stir often and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add 8 cups of water, bouillon, tomatoes with juice, barley, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to a low boil. Cook for about 30 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with tomatoes.
• Add 1 cup chopped kale or other greens with tomatoes.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons margarine
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 cups vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 Tablespoon honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
fresh or frozen chives (optional)

Directions

1. In 4 quart (or larger) saucepan, sauté the mushrooms and onion in margarine until tender. Stir in the flour and curry powder until blended. Gradually add the broth.
2. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. Add the pumpkin, milk, honey, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; heat through.
4. Garnish with chives if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try substituting cooked winter squash or cooked pumpkin for canned pumpkin. Mash and measure out 2 cups for soup.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 Tablespoons oil
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounce each or 3 1/2 cups) low sodium vegetable or beef broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄2 cup uncooked macaroni
2 small zucchini, sliced
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, celery and carrot in oil, stirring constantly until onion is soft, but not browned.
2. Add potato, tomatoes, broth, beans and basil.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add macaroni and zucchini. Cook another 15 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use any vegetables you have on hand.
• Add cooked meat if desired.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Italian Veggie Soup

Italian Veggie Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground meat (15% fat) (turkey, chicken or beef)
1 cup diced onion
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced or diced carrots
1 1⁄2 cups sliced or chopped cabbage
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato pieces with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ouncse) cut green beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole kernel corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
2 cups water
3 teaspoons or 3 cubes low sodium beef, chicken or vegetable bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaf
1⁄2 teaspoon dried sweet basil leaf
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup small macaroni (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet), cook the ground meat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any fat. Add to soup pan.
2. In the same skillet, saute the onion, celery, and carrots until limp but not brown. Add to soup pan.
3. Add all the remaining Ingredients to soup pan.
4. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (16 ounces) navy beans
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fat-free chicken broth (see Notes)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1⁄2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shredded cheese
10 thin corn tortillas

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and cumin, and sauté until onion is softened but not browned.
2. Drain and rinse beans. Add drained beans, tomatoes with liquid, and chicken broth. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chilies, oregano, and chicken. Simmer 15 minutes.
4. When ready to serve, stir in cilantro and 1 cup cheese until melted. Serve tortilla strips on the side as soup toppings.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• To make tortilla strips, stack tortillas and cut in half. Cut each half-stack into thin strips. Spread strips on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, tossing frequently, for 15 minutes or until crispy and starting to lightly brown.

Mexican Black Bean Soup

Mexican Black Bean Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion chopped (about 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups black beans, about 2 cans (15 ounces) cooked or canned (with liquid)
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups water
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tablespoon cumin
1⁄3 cup lime juice or juice from 1 lime
hot sauce to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Stir often.
2. Add the beans, potatoes and water. Bring to a boil; then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
3. Add the cilantro, cumin, lime juice and hot pepper sauce, if desired. Stir and cook for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try topping soup with non-fat sour cream, chopped cilantro and baked tortilla chips.
• Freeze extra lime juice to use later.

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
1 can (15.5 ounce) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 ounce) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounce) stewed tomatoes
1⁄2 cup bulgur, uncooked
1⁄2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (low fat)

Directions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add garlic, onion, pepper, and mushrooms and saute until tender, 6-8 minutes.
3. Add remaining Ingredients except cheese.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until bulgur is soft, 10-15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with grated cheese and serve.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use kidney or black beans instead of pinto beans.
• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Top with light sour cream.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 1 1⁄2 hours
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 Cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
1 pound lean ground turkey (15% fat)
2⁄3 cup chopped onion (2/3 medium onion)
1⁄2 cup green pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 small pepper)
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can solid-pack pumpkin (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups)
1 can chicken broth, low sodium (15 ounce or 1 3/4 cups) (see Notes)
1⁄2 cup water
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 package taco seasoning mix (1.25 ounces)

Directions

1. Pour oil into a 4 quart (or larger) saucepan.
2. Add ground turkey, onion, green pepper and garlic.
3. Cook and stir, breaking meat apart until meat is brown and vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, broth, water, brown sugar and taco seasoning.
5. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Use leftover turkey cut in bite sized piece instead of ground turkey. Saute the vegetables then add the turkey with the other Ingredients. 

Refried Bean Soup

Refried Bean Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup onion, finely chopped (1 medium onion)
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 large can (30 ounces) fat-free refried beans
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium vegetable broth (see Notes)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, and reduce heat to low.
3. Add beans and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Serve immediately.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.