Soup that Cures all that Ails you!

It's cold and gloomy January here in Chicago and I made a soup that will cure all that ails you! We are double dosing vitamin C and D these days! This minestrone style recipe is easy and versatile. It can be prepared with any veg, meat and broth you wish. Be creative! This soup freezes well and great to have on hand for future sick days!

Ingredients

1-2 large cans no salt added organic vegetable stock or chicken/turkey broth (enough to cover all contents in pot)

2 cups water 

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2-4 garlic cloves, chopped

1 leek (white and green), chopped

1 handful organic green beans, cut into half inch pieces

1 large organic yellow squash and zucchini cut in half circle pieces

1 can organic garbanzo beans/chickpeas rinsed (optional, adds protein)

1 can adzuki beans rinsed (optional, neutral flavor and adds protein and fiber)

1 can organic, no salt added diced tomatoes w juices.

1 T tomato paste (optional)

4 links sweet or hot Italian style turkey sausage, browned and cut into small pieces (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh parsley, herbs, spinach, kale (optional)

Rice or pasta (optional)

Directions

- In large pot, add 2 T oil of your choice and saute medium heat the onions and leeks, stir to avoid browning. Add garlic at the end.

 - Remove sausage casings and brown in separate pan until cooked.

- Add all meat, chopped veg and beans to pot.

- Add liquids to cover 2-4 inches above contents of pot.
- Prepare any rice or pasta, drain and set aside.

- Simmer soup on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

- Taste and add tomato paste if you want more tomato flavor. 

- Add salt and pepper to taste as needed.

- Add any fresh herbs such as parsley, kale or spinach day of serving.

- If you need more liquid for soup, add more stock or water.

Bon Appetit!