HEARTY VEGETABLE SOUP

This soup leaves itself open to a lot of substitutions using whatever vegetables you have in the refrigerator. The point however is to have the widest variety of vegetables possible, as this is the most healing!

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

veg-soup22 medium onions chopped

3 stalks celery chopped

3 carrots chopped

1 medium green pepper chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

3 cups cabbage chopped

2 cups chopped broccoli

2 cups green beans cut to 1 inch (frozen is fine)

8 cups low sodium vegetable broth

2 cups water

1 cup tomato sauce

1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 15 ounce can kidney or pinto beans

1 bay leaf

4 cups chopped spinach (or 10 ounce package frozen spinach)

1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (optional but delicious)

Heat oil in a large soup pot and add onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper and garlic. Cook stirring frequently until softened, 5-6 minutes, Add cabbage and stir 3 minutes more. Add broth, water, broccoli, tomato sauce, tomatoes, beans, and bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered until all vegetables are soft, 20-25 minutes. Stir in spinach and simmer 10 minutes more. Stir in basil, remove bay leaf and serve! (Always better the next day if there are leftovers!)

10- 2 cup servings

 

 

 

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HEALTHY CHERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP”BLISS”BALLS

bliss-ballsThis a recipe that I adapted from one that “Forks over Knives” shared. They are easy, delicious and filled with healthy ingredients. Perfect for snacks or guiltless dessert. I found them very easy to make.

1C rolled oats
6 Medjool dates pitted and chopped
1/4C sunflower seeds
1/4C good quality chocolate chips
1/3 cup dried cherries (I used Eden brand tart cherries)
1t pure vanilla extract
3/4t sea salt (can be omitted)

Preheat oven to 375 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped
Add 1-2T water to help bind ( I needed to use 2 T)
Scoop 1T of mix and gently roll it into a ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes
Transfer to a wire rack to let cool