"The 1-Pot Wonder" Soup Recipe

A California Living "Comfort Food" Exclusive

During the colder months Grandma Rose would bring over "Escarole & Beans," which is an adaptation of an italian dish referred to as "Pasta Fasoulli." The difference? Escarole is a leafy green that can also be added to enhance this dishes "health factor," chopped swiss chard, either red or green may also be substituted.

This "1-Pot Wonder" is easy to make, healthy, delicious and suitable to serve a group which means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy the company of your guests. You can easily substitute your leftover holiday turkey for the chicken - and presto - you will have made a soup fit for royalty- ENJOY!

2 tbs. 1st cold pressed olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 can diced tomatoes, any variety and flavor; low sodium preferable

2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 large can/carton (48 oz.) Chicken Broth - low sodium; plus 5 cups filter water

1 cube natural chicken flavoring low sodium - (optional)

1 bag (10 - 12 oz.) Penne, Rigatoni, or small - medium shells pasta (choose one)

1-2 bunches of Escarole or swiss chard, chopped

2 - 3 cups chopped or sliced cooked chicken, turkey, sausage or ham. Figure on about a 1/2 cup of meat per person.

Additional olive oil for garnish (read below)

Fresh Rosemary sprigs - chopped - no stems

Garnish 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese - cracked black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1.) Start by gently browning the first three ingredients which in Italian cooking may be referred to as the "holy trinity" - olive oil, onion, and garlic in the bottom of a large pot until onions become transparent in color. Note: Don't let the garlic get too brown or crispy.

2.) Once onions appear clear - add the canned diced tomatoes and canned beans - simmer for 10 minutes.

3.) Add chicken broth and water; add additional flavoring as desired at this time

4.) Bring to Broil; add pasta and greens; cook until pasta is ala' dente - or slightly under cooked as it will continue cooking. The pasta may also be cooked separately and you can individually ladle the soup mixture over it to provide a "no pasta" option to your family and guests.

5.) Add in your chopped or sliced chicken or turkey just towards the end so it gets heated through but not over cooked.

6.) In small microwave safe bowl (no plastic) place 1/4 - 1/2 cup of olive oil and handful of crushed fresh rosemary - heat for 45 sec. to 1 minute until warm. Drizzle over pasta mixture, garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper and ENJOY!!! (Serves 4-6 people)

Serve with crusty italian bread and a green salad - perfecto!

Personal note from Aprilanne:

This is one of our family's favorite dishes. We change it up and add diced chicken, turkey sausage, lean ham, or left over turkey from the holidays, for additional flavor and heartiness. When family comes to visit from out of state this is one of the traditional meals we serve as its great after a long plane ride - its warm, filling, and feels good...its what "comfort food" is all about - Enjoy - Aprilanne

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