Sick Soup

So I have been sick. REALLY SICK. I caught this respiratory stuff that is putting people down left and right... and it has totally messed up my whole entire week. I haven't been able to go to work because I work in Healthcare and we have the "24 hour fever free rule." Plus, my mother is the Chief Nursing Officer at the facility where I work- so I have to follow her commands. This is day 5. I am bundled up on the couch, it is quiet and I think we are expecting rain today... and all I can think about is SOUP. I want a thick, spicy, comforting soup. I think that I will drag myself in the kitchen later and at least tell my husband what to throw in the soup pot... if not he will chef it up and it will not be what I have envisioned....

This is a really inexpensive soup that is hearty and really fabulous with crackers or cornbread. I tend to favor crackers when I am under the weather... something about saltine crackers...can't you just eat a whole sleeve of them? I prefer Premium crackers.... the blue and white box. So please, don't bring me off brand crackers or Zesta... I just can't take it!

OK- here we go- get ready to be comforted... and your whole family will love this concoction!

1 lb Ground Hamburger (or turkey)
1 medium Chopped Onion
1 can Tomato Paste
2 cans Veg- All or Mixed Vegetables
2 cans Whole Kernel Corn
1 can Rotel Tomatoes
2 tbsp. Homemade taco seasoning
2 tbsp. Homemade ranch seasoning
(These Homemade seasonings are featured in my blog)
Dash of Salt
Dash of Pepper
2 cups of water

OK- so this is pretty basic.. but it turns into the most glorious, thick, yummy soup! If you like more veggies, add more... if you like noodles, feel free! But I like it just like this....

Brown the meat in a big ole soup pot with a little oil along with the chopped onion, drain excess grease and then start adding your other ingredients. Just go down the list... get your kids in there and tell them to just pour this stuff in the pot! Then just simmer on the stove for about 20 minutes and you are done! I tend to drain the water from my canned vegetables so that the soup doesn't get too thin... the tomato paste makes a nice consistency... and feel free to add crushed tomatoes too... I just happened to be out the last time that I put this together and it turned out great...

Then... cook you some  cornbread or get a sleeve of Premium crackers and go to town... this is just what you need to clear up those sinuses! Not too spicy, but just enough to help you breathe!

Let me know how you feel after you try this soup!

The Chef's Wife