Set-it-&-forget-it soups
Andouille Sausage & Lentil Stew
ACTIVE TIME: 10 min. TOTAL TIME: 8 hrs. SERVES: 4
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1 cup dried green or brown lentils 1 lb. andouille sausage, diced
1 Tbs. smoked paprika In pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions, garlic and celery in oil 5 min. Transfer to slow cooker; add tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, andouille sausage and paprika. Cook on low 4 to 5 hrs. or on high 8 to 10 hrs. Per serving: Cal. 401 Pro. 32g Carb. 34g Fiber 11g Sug. 13g Chol. 75mg Sod. 1,521mg
Total fat: 17g Sat. 4g Trans. 0g
HEALTH BONUS
Banish bloat with celery. Flavonoids in these crunchers prod the kidneys to release excess water weight for an instant slimming effect.
Basil-Parmesan Minestrone
ACTIVE TIME: 10 min. TOTAL TIME: 41⁄2 hrs. SERVES: 4
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 stalks celery, diced
4 carrots, peeled and diced
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
2 qts. vegetable stock
2 Tbs. tomato paste
1⁄2 cup prepared basil pesto
1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 6 oz. pasta
In slow cooker, combine first 8 ingredients; cook on high 4 hrs. Add beans and pasta; cook 20 min. more. Season to taste. Garnish with basil and grated Parmesan, if desired. Per serving: Cal. 486 Pro. 15g Carb. 62g Fiber 12g Sug. 10g Chol. 0mg Sod. 1,001mg
Total fat: 15g Sat. 2g Trans. 0g
HEALTH BONUS
Safeguard the heart with beans. The fiber in this legume sweeps
“bad” LDL cholesterol from the blood, cutting heart disease by 15 percent.