TOMATOES!

TOMATOES!! Whether you love them, or your garden is overrun with them, you have to EAT THEM!! They are FULL of ANTIOXIDANT POWER to ward of health problems/diseases. So however you like them, chopped in a salad, sliced with a little salt and pepper, on a sandwich, in a stew, made into spaghetti sauce, the possiblities are endless! Like an organic medicine without the prescription! GOOD FOR YOU and YUMMY! Here's one of our favorite ways to get that antioxidant defense.....QUICK AND SPICY TOMATO SOUP
(this great recipe has cannelini beans for a punch of FIBER, too!)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce (recommended: San Marzano brand)

2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

add some chopped fresh basil at the end for a fresh from the garden taste!

Directions

Warm the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the jar of marinara sauce, chicken broth, cannellini beans, red pepper flakes, pasta, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve.

SERVINGS: 4 (MAIN); Calories: 430; Total Fat: 16 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 15 grams; Total carbohydrates: 59 grams; Sugar: 3 grams Fiber: 10 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 1,976 milligrams

DID YOU KNOW? Those who eat SOUP are more likely to stay full longer, stay on the healthy track, and get more veggies into their day? YEP! Jump onto the SOUP BANDWAGON:)