Bean with Bacon Soup

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When I was growing up my Dad used to make a can of Campbells bean with bacon soup and we would both enjoy it together. I am trying to eat more healthy now and avoid the canned soups since they are loaded with sodium. This recipe tastes even better since the vegetables are fresh and you can control the amount of salt you add.

Ingredients

  • 1 can white beans, rinsed drained (navy or cannelini, I used low sodium)
  • 2 – 3 slices thick cut bacon
  • 1/2 carrots, minced fine
  • 1/2 stalks celery, minced fine
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • salt and pepper to taste.

Directions

Chop bacon and Fry until most of grease is rendered, but not crispy and set aside. Add onion, carrot, and celery to pan an fry in bacon grease until they are tender. Add beans broth, water and bay leaf and some pepper. Simmer on low for an hour or two. Add tomato paste and cook for another hour. Use an immersion blender to beak up about 2/3 of the beans to thicken and blend the soup. Add salt to taste and server. This makes about 3 bowls of soup.

Red Curry Lentils

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Indian food always seem to take a lot of work and time to cook, but this recipe is pretty easy to make. When I feel like having Indian food, but don’t want or don’t have a lot of time for cooking, I make these. You can serve them with rice or naan, which can be bought at some stores.

Ingredients

Directions

Cook the lentils till just tender. Drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes until golden brown. Add all the spices (curry paste, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, sugar, garlic, ginger) and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce; stir and simmer about 10. Add back the lentils and cook on low for another 5 minutes.