Clean Out the Refrigerator Soup

     We all have those days where we want something homemade and we don't want to have to go to the store or put much effort into the process. Well my suggestion, make soup! I did exactly that a few days ago. You can exchange any ingredient in this soup with something similar and it will work. The key is to allow it to simmer for a while so that all the flavors can really come together.

     I started by browning a pound of lean ground beef with some chopped celery. You could use ground chicken or turkey, leftover roast or simply go meatless if you want. Make sure to drain any grease off the meat before adding the remaining ingredients. I had a couple cans each of diced tomatoes and white beans (any beans will work just rinse the beans before adding to soup). My tomatoes had basil and garlic added. You can use any that you like, just add some Italian seasoning or a pinch garlic powder and some oregano if you use this plain tomatoes. Add the beans and tomatoes to the meat mixture. Add enough water to cover the meat/vegetable mix and simmer for as long as you have time for. I let mine simmer about two hours.

     About 15 minutes before serving, I added some fresh spinach (I used an entire bag) and about a cup of pasta. Any greens and any kind of pasta will work. If you don't have pasta, rice would be fine.  

     Season with salt and pepper to taste. I topped ours with a little parmesan cheese. It tasted a little like a cross between minestrone and vegetable soup. The bonus was the house smelled wonderful! Enjoy!