Hearty Sausage Soup

Soup is the ultimate food, as far as I'm concerned. It's inexpensive, easy to make, a great vehicle for leftovers, and there's just something comforting and "homey" about a bowl of soup. This recipe evolved while I was trying to use up some of the meat that had made its way to the bottom of the chest freezer, and it's now a family favorite! Use homemade broth and dried, cooked beans to reduce the cost!

Ingredients:

1lb sweet italian sausage (if links, remove from casings)
1 large Vidalia onion, chopped (about 2 cups onion)
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups carrots)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp sage
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups leafy greens (spinach, mustard greens, kale, escarole, etc), rinsed and torn
about 5 cups broth (chicken or veggie)
1 can beans (Great Northern, kidney or black beans work best), lightly drained
1 cup small pasta (I prefer a tricolor pasta, but use any you like!)

Directions:
In a large dutch oven or stock pot, brown the sausage and break up the pieces.

Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, basil, rosemary, sage and pepper. Stir to mix well. Cook about 7-8 minutes, or until the veggies are just tender.

Add the diced tomatoes and leafy greens, cook about 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Add the broth and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the pasta, cook about 8 minutes or until al dente.

Total Cost:

Sausage: $1.99
Onion: $0.85
Celery: $0.25
Carrots: $0.25
Garlic: $0.10
Tomatoes: $0.85
Greens: $1.00
Beans: $1.00
Broth: FREE! (use homemade veggie or chicken broth!)
Pasta: $0.25
Seasonings: $0.15

Grand Total: $6.69 for 8-10 servings!

Tomato Florentine Soup

I had some really good Tomato Florentine soup at the cafeteria at work, and it got my wheels turning...I knew I had most of the ingredients at home so I did a little experimenting and this is what I came up with! Not only is the soup packed with nutrients, but with the added rice or pasta it's hearty enough for a main dish. It's great topped with some parmesan cheese!

(if you want to turn this into Italian Wedding soup, just add small sausage meatballs!)

Tomato Florentine Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small can sliced mushrooms (4 oz)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 Tbsp basil
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4-5oz package frozen spinach, thawed (about half a package)
1 1/2 cup cooked small pasta or rice

Heat the oil in a large pot. Cook mushrooms, onion and garlic in oil until just tender. Stir in tomatoes, broth, basil, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, cook for 10 minutes. Stir in spinach and pasta/rice and cook an additional 7-10 minutes. (if the soup is too thick for your tastes, add a little extra broth or water with the spinach)

Total Cost
Oil - $0.05
Mushrooms - $0.60
Onion - $0.15
Diced tomatoes - $0.80
Broth - FREE! (homemade)
Spinach - $0.50
Rice - Free! (use leftovers!)
Seasonings - $0.25

Grand Total: $2.35 for 4-6 servings

Japanese-style Beef Curry Rice

This recipe comes from Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook - the original recipe calls for cubed beef but I did it with ground beef instead - either way it is a great beef stew/hamburger soup alternative!

Japanese-Style Beef Curry Rice

Ingredients:
3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
3-4 medium carrots, sliced
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
3 tsp curry powder
1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Directions:
-Put potatoes in the slow cooker. Layer sliced carrots on top.
-In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, drain well and place in the cooker. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel to remove most of the leftover grease.
-Heat the oil in the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Add the curry, salt and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes more. Transfer to the cooker.
-Pour the broth in the skillet, bring to a boil and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Pour into the cooker and add water.
-Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hrs. Serve over rice.

***optional: if you like the stew thicker (best when using stew meat instead of ground beef), skip adding the curry to the onions. Heat 2 Tbsp of oil in a small skillet. Add 3 Tbsp flour and cook, stirring, until it becomes brown (about 5 minutes). Add 1 Tbsp curry and stir for another minute. Remove from heat. Turn your slow cooker on HIGH. Scoop out about 1/2 cup of the liquid, and add to the flour mixture, stirring until there are no lumps. Slowly add this mixture back into the slow cooker (stir carefully, don't break up the potatoes). Stir in frozen peas. Cover and cook on high about 20-30 minutes, until the sauce is thickened.

Total Cost:
Potatoes: $0.50
Carrots: $0.40
Vegetable oil: $0.03
Beef: $2.00
Onion: $0.30
Broth: $0.60 (free if you made your own!)
seasonings and garlic: $0.20


Grand Total: $4.03 for 6-8 servings!

Tomato and Chickpea Soup

I found this recipe on Delish, MSN's food corner. I like it because it could easily be done either in the crockpot or stovetop, but even on the stove it's a quick study! The chickpeas add extra heartiness, and you can easily substitute rice for the pasta to make this a complete protein-rich dish. You can also substitute vegetable broth to make this a Vegetarian treat! They recommend to use good-quality whole plum tomatoes for the best flavor. I found that this made a lot more than the 4 servings noted in the original recipe too...

Spices not in your rack? I substituted the sage, salt and pepper with about 1 tbsp of Mrs Dash, and it was yum :)

Tomato and Chickpea Soup

Ingredients:
7 cup(s) canned tomatoes with their juice (two 28-ounce cans)
2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cup(s) canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock (or veggie stock)
2 cup(s) water
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried sage
1 3/4 teaspoon(s) salt
3/4 cup(s) ditalini or other small pasta
2 cans (15 oz) drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
1/3 cup(s) chopped fresh parsley (or 2-3 Tbsp dried parsley)
1/4 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
1/3 cup(s) grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Directions:
1. In a food processor or blender, puree the tomatoes with their juice. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic.
3. Add the pureed tomatoes, the sage (and parsely if you use dried), broth, water and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and chickpeas. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley, pepper and the 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Serve topped with additional Parmesan.
Total Cost:
Canned Tomatoes - $1.78
Olive Oil - $0.16
Onion - $0.30
Garlic - $0.10
Spices - $0.15
Chicken Broth - Free!
Pasta - $0.15
Chickpeas - $1.05
Parmesan - $0.40

Grand Total - $4.09 for 8-10 servings

Autumn Chowder

Being from New England, the word "chowder" gets my attention every time :) This recipe from Heritage Schoolhouse appealed because all of the ingredients were readily available in my pantry! She originally used baby carrots, I substituted about a cup and a half of peeled chopped carrot since that's what I've got. I also used 3/4 tbsp cornstarch mixed with the water to thicken (just a personal preference), and threw in some extra cheese. We're cheese hounds!

I think this would lend itself well to be done in the crockpot, but I like that the recipe can be made in about half an hour if you chop the veggies ahead of time! The below recipe includes my adjustments, but be sure to click the link below for the original recipe.

Autumn Chowder

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, chopped
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
3-4 carrots, peeled and diced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 bag frozen corn
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3/4 tbsp cornstarch
4 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:
In a large saucepan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the potato, carrot, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are almost tender. Stir in the milk a half cup at a time (to temper it and prevent curdling), then add corn, salt and pepper. Return to a boil, cook 5 minutes longer. Combine the cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually whisk into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Stir in bacon. Serve up big bowls and enjoy!

Total Cost:
Oil - $0.08
Onion - $0.30
Potatoes - $0.50
Carrots - $0.15
Chicken Broth - FREE!
Milk - $0.38
Corn - $1.00
Cheese - $0.90
Bacon - $0.85
Seasonings - $0.10

GRAND TOTAL - $4.26 for 6 servings, or 0.71 per serving!

Obama's Chili

I saw this recipe over at A Year of CrockPotting and just HAD to give it a try. According to her, this is the Obama family chili recipe...wherever it came from, it is DELICIOUS. I have wimpy tastebuds, and my toddler and I were both able to enjoy this chili without any mouth emergencies :) It's well-seasoned without being spicy, but for those who enjoy a little heat it would be very easy to add either diced jalapenos or hot sauce to jack it up a couple of notches.

When I made this I only had black beans and balsamic vinegar on hand, but the substitutions worked wonderfully - another benchmark of a great recipe, it's yummy AND flexible! I also took the Crockpot Lady's advice and increased all of the spices - the recipe below reflects the amounts I used but check out the link for the original amounts.

According to the original post the Obamas serve this over rice - other options would be to serve it over Fritos or crumbled up cornbread!

Barack Obama's Chili Recipe

Ingredients:
--1 can kidney beans - and the goop! (I used black beans)
--1 lb lean ground meat (I used ground turkey)
--1 green bell pepper, chopped
--1 large onion, chopped
--5-6 medium tomatoes, chopped (include seeds and all)
--4 chopped cloves of garlic
--2 tsp cumin
--2 tsp oregano
--2 tsp basil
--2 tsp turmeric
--3 tsp chili powder
--2 tsp salt
--5 T red wine vinegar (I used balsamic vinegar)

Directions:
(Ms Crockpot noted that she did not brown her ground meat ahead of time - I also didn't bother browning the meat. Unless you are using a fatty ground meat and want to drain the fat off a bit, just toss in the ground meat raw!)

Chop up the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Add to the crockpot. Open the can of beans, and pour in the whole thing (do not drain or rinse!). Add the ground meat. Stir in all of the spices and the red wine vinegar.Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours, or on high for 4-5.

Total Cost:
Beans - $0.65
Ground Turkey - $1.50
Pepper - $0.85
Onion - $0.30
Tomatos - $3.20
Garlic - $0.20
Seasonings - $0.75

Grand Total: $7.45 for 8-10 servings, or $0.75 per serving!


**an update - this chili does WONDERFULLY in leftovers. I made burritos by mixing the chili with rice, rolling it in a 12" tortilla and frying both sides in the pan. Then we used some in omelettes for breakfast! YUMMY!

Alaina's Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is an original recipe from Alaina's Favorite Recipes - I love how simple it is and I am ALWAYS looking for good soups to add to the repertoire...they store well and serve a crowd!

Alaina's Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp + 3 Tbsp butter, divided
1 Med onion, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken stock (I use homemade so that it's free!)
8-9 cups broccoli, chopped, including some stems
3 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use any cheese you like)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saute pan. Add onion, celery and garlic, saute together until starting to tenderize.
Add chicken stock and broccoli, bring to a boil. Boil until broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes. The puree all (or part) in a blender or with an immersion blender.
In a separate saucepan, combine 3 Tbsp butter and flour, cook for 1-2 minutes then slowly add milk. Whisk together and add cheese. Cook until thickened and cheese is melted.
Add broccoli mixture to the pot, season to taste

Total cost - appx 10-12 servings

Butter - $0.35
Onion - $0.20
Celery - $0.15
Chicken stock - FREE!
Broccoli - $3.20
Milk - $0.40
Cheese - $2.00
flour, garlic, seasonings - negligible

Grand Total = $6.30, or $0.53 per serving!!!

Homemade Vegetable Soup

I have been making this for years....it started as a Weight Watchers suggestion and grew into a staple of my menus, especially when we need to empty the crisper in the fridge! This recipe includes what I usually have on hand, but it can easily be adapted to whatever (and whatever quantities) are readily available to you.

I will generally make a large pot of this and freeze it into 2-cup portions, easy to pull out for quick lunch or a side dish to dinner. Once you have it on hand you can add shredded chicken or beef, or pasta to make an even heartier dish!

Homemade vegetable soup

Ingredients:
2-3 cloves minced garlic (adjust to taste)
1 large can chicken broth (or appx 40 oz homemade if you have it)
1-2 cups of each of the following vegetables -

• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Frozen corn

1 large can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
Mrs Dash seasoning to taste

Directions:
In a large nonstick pot or dutch oven, lightly brown the minced garlic (about 1-2 minutes).
Add chicken broth plus 1 cup water, and Mrs Dash seasoning, bring to a boil.
Add all vegetables, including can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Return to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Serve hot, or allow to cool on the stove and then portion and freeze. Makes about 8-10 servings, depending on the amounts of veggies you add.

Total Cost:
Chicken Broth - Appx $3.00
Carrots - Appx $0.60
Cabbage - Appx $0.25
Celery - Appx $0.30
Potato - Appx $0.50
Corn - Appx $0.30
Tomato - Appx $1.00

Grand Total: $5.95 - only $0.60 per serving!