Warm Up with Winter Soup

January and cold temperatures lend so well to comfort foods, and what better comfort food than a hot bowl of nutritious soup?  Although I make all kinds of soups throughout the year—from French onion to split pea to clam chowder—I find the classic recipes are important to warm the body and soul this time of year. These classic soups are a big hit with my three boys every time I make them.  My kids love to come home from school and start their meal with a warm bowl of soup and slice of crusty whole-wheat bread straight from the oven.  I always make a big batch so there is extra soup to fill a thermos for school lunch the next day—lucky them! Try this easy-to-make, delicious, nutrition-packed comfort soup that the whole family will enjoy.

Vegetable Bean Medley

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 DOLE® Carrots, peeled, cut into small dice
• 2 stalks DOLE Celery, cut into small dice
• 1/2 DOLE Onion, cut into small dice
• 3 medium zucchini, cut into small dice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth, or freshly made vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano
• 1 1/2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 cup green beans, cut into ½ inch pieces
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, discard seeds, cut flesh into small dice

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine all the ingredients except the tomatoes, green beans, white beans and herbs. Simmer over very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a slow simmer. Cook for a further 5 minutes; remove the bay leaf before serving. (Add extra stock if needed)

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size 870g

Amount Per Serving: Calories 230,Calories from Fat 10,Total Fat 1.5g(2% DV),Saturated Fat 0g(0% DV),Trans Fat 0g,Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g,Monounsaturated Fat 0g,Cholesterol 0mg(0% DV),Sodium 270mg(11% DV),Potassium 1490mg(43% DV),Total Carbohydrate 44g(15% DV),Dietary Fiber 11g(44% DV),Sugars 13g,Protein 12g,Vitamin A (140% DV),Vitamin C (100% DV),Calcium (20% DV),Iron (30% DV),Vitamin E (10% DV),Vitamin K (50% DV),Thiamin (20% DV),Riboflavin (15% DV),Niacin (10% DV),Vitamin B6 (30% DV),Folate (40% DV),Phosphorus (20% DV),Magnesium (30% DV),Zinc (15% DV),Copper (25% DV),Manganese (60% DV),Molybdenum (140% DV)