This thick and hearty soup made with ham, lentils and tomatoes takes only 30 minutes to make and is a great way to brighten up a winter evening. It’s a whole meal in one bowl.
I find that my family, no matter what the weather, loves a bowl of soup. It warms them up and gets them chatting around the table. Soups and casseroles are great family fare, but usually take too long to make for a midweek meal. This quick meal fits the bill.
This is the type of meal that you can improvise when you haven’t been to the supermarket. Chicken broth, canned tomatoes and canned beans are staples in my pantry. Also, I normally have onions, celery and carrots in the refrigerator.
If you don’t have basil, leave it out, and add any fresh greens you have in the refrigerator.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Wine Suggestion: A rosé would be perfect.
• Canned whole tomatoes can be used instead of diced. Break them up with the side of a spoon as they go into the saucepan.
• Toast can be made in a toaster oven or under the broiler.
• To buy: 1/4 pound honey smoked deli ham, 1 small package dried lentils, 1 bottle ground cumin, 1 small bunch basil, 1 can low-sodium diced tomatoes, 1 bottle balsamic vinegar, 1 package frozen chopped onion and 1 loaf whole grain country bread.
• Staples: Olive oil, garlic, salt and black peppercorns.
This meal contains 558 calories per serving with 18 percent of calories from fat.
Linda Gassenheimer is the author of 14 cookbooks including her newest, “The Flavors of the Florida Keys” and “Mix ’n Match Meals in Minutes for People with Diabetes.” Visit Linda at dinnerinminutes.com or Linda@DinnerInMinutes.com.
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