Easy Minestrone Soup

I like to play a game called, "use-up-what-you-have-before-you-go-shopping-again." Well, I happened to have some cabbage and I felt like soup, so I made minestrone for lunch. Here's my version of minestrone that is easy, healthy and perfect for these cold winter days.

Easy Minestrone Soup

1 onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
2 T. olive oil
2 t. minced garlic
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 zucchini, diced
1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1 can bean with bacon soup (or pork and beans)
4 teaspoons chicken base (or 3 cubes chicken boullion)
Italian seasoning
dash of cayenne pepper
salt and pepper, to taste

In large stockpot, saute onion and celery in olive oil until tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and stir about 30 seconds. Add carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, canned soup, chicken base and seasonings and 3-4 cups water (can add more as it cooks off). Bring to boil and let simmer at least 20 minutes.

Tofu Oat Burgers

I used to buy frozen veggie burgers to have on hand in case I needed something fast to augment lunch or dinner. These burgers are great because they're fresh, they're inexpensive to make (our dollar store sells tofu!) and they taste really good (in my opinion). Make them and let me know what you think.


Tofu Oat Burgers

1 container firm or extra firm tofu, pressed
1/2 cup oats
1 carrot, grated
2 tbsp instant potato flakes (I use regular breadcrumbs)
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying

Mash together all ingredients until well combined. Form into patties. Fry in oil on both sides until lightly browned.