CREAMY TOMATO SOUP with PASTA and CHICKPEAS

Creamy Tomato Soup w/Chickpeas and Pasta

A healthy plant-based version of a comfort food, with a twist, from my childhood. An easy-to-toss together hearty tomato soup. This creamy soup is a staple in our house, we never get tired of it…make it your own by swapping out various beans and different pasta. To make another variety, substitute pasta with par-boiled brown rice. Add your favorite leafy greens to make it a super soup.

CREAMY TOMATO SOUP w/Chickpeas and Pasta
CREAMY TOMATO SOUP w/Chickpeas and Pasta: A lunch favorite filled with wonderful plant-based nutrients. So quick to make and yummy to eat.

Serves: 6 ll Prep Time: 20 minutes ll Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 small onions, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 (28 1/2-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, lo sodium
I (14 1/2-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), lo sodium, include brine
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 -2 cup vegetable stock, lo sodium
1 teaspoon salt-substitute such as Mrs. Dash’s Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cups whole wheat pasta noodles (elbow, penne, or your choice)
Leafy greens, torn into small pieces
Garnish: Sliced Almonds
Optional: 1 teaspoon unrefined sugar
Optional: 1 cup of par-boiled brown rice as a substitute for pasta

Directions:
Sautéing vegetables: In a medium soup pot, sauté diced onions and celery in a small amount of water or vegetable broth for 5 – 10 minutes or until onions are translucent.

Cooking soup:  In the soup pot, combine remaining ingredients, except pasta and greens. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Lower heat, add pasta, cook for about an additional 10 minutes or until al dente. During the last few minutes, toss in leafy greens. Serve hot.

ENJOY THIS DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED TOMATO SOUP -WE DO!!

Angel Hair Pasta with Spinach Pesto

Angel Hair Pasta with Pesto

This easy-to-prepare meal is sure to become a favorite! A mix of spinach and basil, along with other ingredients, for the pesto results in a tasty combination. Add the pesto to Angel Hair or your favorite pasta and enjoy the deliciousness!

Serves: 4, Prep Time: 20 min, Cook Time: 15 min
1 (13-ounce) package whole wheat pasta angel hair or your favorite whole grain pasta
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Pesto:
1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked
1/2 – 1 cup water (depending on consistency desired) 1/2 medium onion or 1 shallot, quartered
1 clove garlic, sliced
2 cups fresh Spinach
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 lemon (juice)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: red pepper flakes and Parm-Like Cheeze

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Spinach Pesto
Spinach Pesto

To Make Pesto:  In a small bowl, microwave cashews in about ½ cup water or enough water to cover cashews for about 1 or 2 minutes. Place softened cashews and remaining ingredients in a blender. Blend, adding tablespoons of water until desired consistency is reached.

To Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. To the boiling pot, add fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes. Drain and add salt and Spinach/Basil Pesto to the pasta, gently toss. After plating, add ParmLike Cheeze and red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Facts:  Amount per Serving, Calories 446, Calories From Fat 84, Total Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 3g, Sodium 328mg, Total Carbs 76g, Dietary Fiber 11g, Sugars 4g, Protein 18g

ENJOY!