Wheat Berry Salad

Wheat Berry Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry wheat kernels
1 1⁄4 cups carrots, peeled and diced
1 1⁄4 cups red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 2 small peppers)
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced
1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1⁄2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place dry wheat kernels in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and continue to simmer for 1 hour, or until the wheat kernels are tender but still chewy. Drain the cooked wheat berries and rinse with cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, onions and parsley to the wheat berries in the mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, water, vegetable oil, garlic powder and salt. Pour dressing over the salad and mix until salad is well coated.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Tabouli Bulgur Wheat Salad

Prep time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Chill Time: 3 hours

Ingredients

1 cup dry bulgur wheat
1 cup hot water
1⁄2 cucumber, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1⁄4 cup fresh chopped mint (or cilantro)
1 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

DRESSING
1⁄4 cup lemon juice (or vinegar or half of each)
2 Tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Place the bulgur in a large bowl and soak in the hot water until the water is absorbed, (about 30 minutes). When it's ready, drain any excess water.
2. Mix the dressing Ingredients together. Set aside.
3. Chop the vegetables and add to the prepared bulgur. 
4. Add dressing to salad and stir. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours and serve chilled.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Top with plain yogurt.
• Add other chopped veggies including red or green peppers, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), grated carrots, or summer squash.
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.
• Serve as a side dish or serve on lettuce leaves or make sandwiches with whole wheat or pocket (pita) bread.

Pasta Ratatouille

Pasta Ratatouille

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta (try rotini, penne or bow tie noodles)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup chopped onion (1⁄2 medium onion)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, cubed
1 small eggplant, cubed
2 medium tomatoes, cubed
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and garlic and cook until soft.
3. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Cook about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper and basil. Cook another 2 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve over pasta and top with cheese.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Mo (moo) Indonesian Stir-Fry

Mo (moo) Indonesian Stir-Fry

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

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen-style noodles
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in thin strips
1⁄4 cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1⁄2 cup water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 carrots, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1⁄2 large head cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1⁄4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Bring 4 cups water to boil in a 2 to 3 quart saucepan. Add noodles, cover, and remove from heat (do not add flavor packets). Wait one minute, drain noodles and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add chicken and cook until no longer pink when cut, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add red pepper, ginger, and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add cabbage and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until cabbage is crisp-tender.
5. Stir in green onions, cooked noodles and peanut sauce. Toss and serve immediately.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try this stir fry with sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter

Lentil Confetti Salad

Lentil Confetti Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup dry lentils
1 1⁄2 cups water
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
1⁄2 cup reduced fat italian dressing
1⁄2 cup tomatoes, seeded and diced
1⁄4 cup green peppers, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 a small pepper)
3 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped celery
6 sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and drain lentils. Place in saucepan, add water and salt.
2. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered about 20 minutes. Do not overcook. The lentils should be tender with skin intact. Drain immediately.
3. Combine the lentils with cooked rice, pour dressing over mixture and refrigerate until cool.
4. Add rest of Ingredients, except parsley, mix well.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving (optional).
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Fiesta Barley Salad

Fiesta Barley Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 cup dry barley
3 cups water
1⁄4 cup raisins, or other dried fruit
1 cup frozen peas, or other vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned and drained)
3 cups lettuce, washed and chopped
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1⁄2 cup green onions, sliced thin (can use any onions)
1 Tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar or any others)
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place barley and water in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Bring to boil, then turn to low. Cover and cook for 45 minutes.
2. Rinse cooked barley briefly in cold water. Drain.
3. Add remaining Ingredients. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try substituting different fruits and vegetables

Dutch Red Cabbage with Apples

Dutch Red Cabbage with Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1⁄2 head red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1⁄4 cup vinegar
1⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 apples, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat.  Add onion and cook until clear, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar and salt. Mix well and add apples.
3. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is soft, about 30 minutes.  Serve warm or cold.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add cold leftovers to a sandwich or wrap

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

Asian Rice

Asian Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 package (16 ounces) frozen Asian style vegetables or 1 pound fresh vegetables
3 cups cooked rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 Tablespoon soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Add eggs and scramble. Remove cooked eggs and set aside.
2. Add small amount of water to pan and cook vegetables until tender crisp.
3. Add cooked rice, garlic powder and ground ginger and stir to heat through, breaking up lumps by pressing against pan.
4. Add cooked chicken and cook until heated.
5. Add green onions and cooked egg, and heat through.
6. Serve with soy sauce or hot sauce.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use leftover ham or pork in place of chicken.
• Use brown rice to include whole grains

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pearl barley (cooking Directions below)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked)
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1⁄2 cup sliced celery
1⁄4 cup sliced green onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Mix barley with remaining Ingredients, except garnish, in a large bowl.
2. Cover and chill several hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
3. Garnish with cilantro or parsley sprigs, if desired, and serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• One large ear of corn makes about 1 cup of cut corn.
• Freeze extra lime or lemon juice to use later. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.
• To cook pearl barley:
  • In medium saucepan with lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup pearl barley and return to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Makes about 3 to 3 1/2 cups. Place any extra cooked barley in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze. Add cooked barley to soups, stews, casseroles and salads for a healthful whole grain boost

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.

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Tasty Hamburger Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1⁄3 cup chopped onion (1⁄3 medium onion)
1⁄3 cup green pepper, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup long grain white rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves of garlic
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained (or about 1 1/2 cups frozen)
1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper in large skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet) until hamburger is no longer pink. Drain excess fat from pan.
2. Add water, rice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, tomatoes with juice, corn, and beans.
3. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes or until rice is soft.
4. Remove from stove top, sprinkle with grated cheese, and serve hot.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Tip: Garnish this dish with a tablespoon of low-fat sour cream.
• Flavor boosters: green chilis, jalepeños, more garlic, and other seasonings.
• Make extra! Leftovers make a great filling for tacos, burritos, filling for stuffed bell peppers, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Use whole grains! Use brown rice instead of white rice and increase cooking time to 45 minutes or until rice is cooked.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

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.

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (try penne)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves minced garlic or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
10 ounces frozen spinach
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package Directions. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet. Add garlic and cook on low (250 degrees in an electric skillet) until soft.
3. Add spinach, tomatoes with juice, drained beans, salt, and pepper. Once the mixture bubbles, cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add drained pasta and parmesan to spinach mixture. Toss well and serve.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute cleaned and chopped fresh spinach (about 6 cups).
• Try other greens, such as Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach. Be sure to clean greens well and cook them until soft.
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

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.