A Not-Really Recipe: Souped Up Tomato Soup

Hi there, fellow ninjas!  I'm working on some new recipes, but in the mean time, here's another "not-really" recipe for when you need a quick and easy meal.  This is only my second not-really recipe post, so for those of you who don't know, "not-really recipes" are meals using some convenience ingredients, but with a homemade twist.  These are the kinds of meals I make when I'm pressed for time, and they're proof that quick and easy can be healthy and delicious as well!

So here's a recipe for some warm and delicious tomato soup that packs a far bigger nutritional punch than regular, boring canned soup.  In addition to the healthy benefits of tomatoes, this soup also has protein from beans and whole wheat orzo that is both filling and good for you.  The flavor gets kicked up with some garlic, fire roasted tomatoes and fresh basil for a soup far more satisfying than anything right out of the can.  And the best part?  It's ready in 15 minutes.  This soup can be a meal on it's own, or pair it with vegan grilled cheese (find my recipe for Ninja Cheesy Spread HERE) or a green salad.

Souped Up Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

2.5 servings (1 can) ready-to-eat canned tomato soup, or 1 can condensed tomato soup with water added according to package instructions
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
3/4 cup whole wheat orzo or other small pasta
1-14.5 ounce can of beans (any kind; I used black beans), drained and rinsed
14 ounce can diced tomatoes (fire roasted if possible)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.  Add the tomato soup (with water if using condensed), vegetable broth, orzo, and diced tomatoes.  Raise heat and bring to a boil.  Boil uncovered 8 minutes.  Lower heat back to medium and stir in the beans.  Heat for 3 minutes or until heated through.  Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.  Top each bowl with additional fresh basil if desired.

That's all for now!  Hope you enjoy this soup while this cold weather continues.  More from-scratch recipes will be up soon!

Love,

The Fur Ninja <3