Meatless Monday with Lasagna Soup

Buon giorno and welcome to another Meatless Monday! As fall is upon us and there is a crisp chill to the air, you might be looking for fast, satisfying and warming dishes that use the bounty of vegetables that are upon us. What says hearty and filling like a delicious Italian lasagna or a warm bowl of soup? What about merging the two? Yes, I’m talking about making a vegetarian lasagna soup that’s easy, great tasting and vegetarian.

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium onion, chopped
• 1 (14-1/2 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14-1/2 oz) cans vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped basil
• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped oregano
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme
• 2 bunches of any greens, washed and boiled
• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 (14 oz can) kidney beans, drained
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

To prepare the greens, once they are washed, chopped and have been boiled squeeze out all excess liquid. Cook onions in pan with oil until softened. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.  Stir in vegetable broth, water and four spices listed. Bring to a boil and add macaroni or pasta. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans for the last five minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish each bowl with mozzarella cheese.

This yields four filling portions and can be adjusted as needed. Fresh herbs are always best but if they aren’t readily available dried is always a good substitute. If you can’t find the boxed vegetable stock you can make 3 ½ C of vegetarian chicken stock or vegetable stock. All the vegetables in this recipe will help to thicken this soup and that is what makes it a complete meal in and of its self. This is a delicious meal that will have everyone clamoring for more. You can complete this meal with garlic toast and a side salad and for the adults a nice glass of organic vino. The best part of this dish is that you know all the ingredients in it. Enjoy!