Bean and Bacon Soup

Photo Credit: Real Simple

We all have those weeks where work, life and everything else piles on top to keep us very busy. For me this is one of those weeks. Thankfully Real Simple is a great resource for providing easy, simple and quick soups - among many other helpful tips for a real simple life. Check out the recipe for Bean and Bacon Soup:

Prep time: 10

Cook time: 15

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 strips of bacon

1 large carrot

2 celery stalks

1 medium onion

4 cloves of garlic

2 15 1/2 oz cans great Northern beans

2 cups water

2 Tbsp. parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 6-8 minutes. When cool, break into pieces. Chop the carrot and add to the sauce pan cooking for 5 minutes.  Add the chopped celery, onion and garlic stirring and cooking for 3 more minutes. Drain beans, and add to the sauce pan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and slightly mash the bean mixture with a potato masher until it thickens slightly. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, pepper and bacon.

'Till next time,

Matthew

Cauliflower Soup

Photo credit: Real Simple

I appreciate nothing more then getting straight down to business and cutting the fluff. Sweet Brown says it best..."ain't nobody got time for that." That's my philosphy for cooking, make it as easy and quick (and painless) as possible. Real Simple does just that. They posted this easy recipe for Cauliflower Soup that seems so good and easy to make.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

3 garlic cloves

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 small head cauliflower

5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp. thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the sliced garlic in the oil in a large pot over medium heat, stirring until golden (2-3 minutes). Remove and reserve the garlic.  Add the chopped cauliflower, chicken broth, thyme, salt and pepper to the pot. Simmer until tender (15-20 minutes). Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Top with the garlic, and drizzle with olive oil. Add additional thyme if desired before serving.

'Till next time,

Matthew