Soup Saturday

Basil Tomato Soup with Orzo

1 medium onion, chopped

¼ cup butter, cubed

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

1 can ( 28 ounces) whole tomatoes

2 cups tomato sauce

1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 cup cooked orzo pasta

1 cup fat free half and half

¾ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Saute onion in butter for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until onion I tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, basil and sugar.  Bring to boil, reduce heat;cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

While the soup is simmering, cook orzo according to package directions, drain.

Add orzo and half and half to soup.  Heat but do not boil.

Sprinkle each serving with cheese when serving

Serves 8

The weekends are when I do all my cooking for the week. I think this soup is going to be my lunch this week. I love a hot bowl of soup like this in the fall when it is cold and rainy.  The smell of this soup filled the whole house.

This soup takes only about 30 minutes to put together. It has almost no fat so it is really healthy. You could add some shrimp or crab or even chicken breast if you want to add some additional protein. I had my bowl today with a grilled swiss cheese sandwich on whole wheat.  Tomorrow I think I am going to make some homemade oatmeal bread to go with it. I'll add a nice salad and have a hearty meal!

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