ZUPA!

And no, not the gumbo variety. Although I promise, soon. I have been trying to make these recipes before I post them, and well, gumbo is a big job. I'm going to have to have a ham and a turkey for dinner before I start making it and I just haven't been motivated!

This is a two for one post, as I have two very similar recipes to share. Several years ago when the South Beach Diet thing was all the rage, I was poor and trying to diet along with some of my nearest and dearest (sister-in-law.) The original pepperoni bean soup was a huge huge hit for economy, flavor, and the fact that it conveniently fit into the diet plan. Although we've reintroduced too many carbs to our ongoing diets, we still love to make this soup when there's a chill in the air. Fills the belly and warms the soul.

Yesterday I ran across the turkey sausage with beans recipe and couldn't help but dink with it (because I was out of stuff and couldn't find other stuff locally.) Anyway, we ended up with a very different recipe from the printed version, but one that strangely reminded us of the pepperoni bean soup with fewer ingredients and a nice flavor twist. And again, tastes great, cheap to make, and good for your waistline!


PEPPERONI BEAN SOUP

2 cans Kidney Beans
1 can Black Beans
1 can White Beans
1 15oz can Chicken Broth
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 can Rotel "Chili Fixins" (tomatoes and spices)
1 package Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
Italian seasoning to taste
Tony’s seasoning to taste
Garlic to taste
Shredded Mozzarella for garnish

Dump it all in a pot, heat it up, serve it with a little shredded mozzarella on top.


SAUSAGE WITH BEAN SOUP

1 lb turkey sausage, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
2 T minced garlic
1 15-oz can canelli beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes OR 3 large tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 package fresh spinach
salt and pepper

In a medium-large pot, brown the turkey sausage and garlic on medium-high. Add the canelli beans through red pepper simmer for 1 hour on low heat. Add the spinach, salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the spinach is thoroughly wilted. Serves 6 with some crusty bread as an accompaniment.