Homemade Tomato Soup

Ever get tired of paying an arm and a leg for tiny cans of soup that never quite measure up to expectations? Well, that’s what happened to us. To be more precise, we went to Noodles and Company, where my husband ordered a bowl of their delicious tomato soup – I was sold. Problem is, we can’t afford to eat out every day —- so —– I looked up a few recipes online, modified them to our particular taste, and Voíla! Here you have it – Tomato Soup!
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 med onion

2-3 garlic cloves

2 small carrots

4 cans diced tomatoes

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cayenne

Basil

Bay leaf

Salt
Saute onions, garlic and carrots 8-10 minutes. Add canned tomatoes and seasonings. Boil on med-high heat for 40 minutes or until carrots are tender. Blend until texture is creamy. Yum, yum!
(If desired, blend and set aside a portion for baby leaving out the salt and cayenne). 

Veggie Lover’s Patties

Ok, so I admit it: I am partly a “dump cook.” That is, I enjoy following recipes, but who doesn’t like improvising – and if the occasion calls for it, just putting ingredients together until it feels right?

With that said, I will do my best to give directions for this recipe. 🙄

Directions:

In large saucepan boil 3-4 cups of water, 1 med chopped carrot, 3 chopped celery sticks and 1/4 onion, and seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, salt) for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. (You can adjust the seasonings to your taste – it should be a little salty.

Turn off heat and stir in quick oats until thickened (similar to the texture of thick breakfast oatmeal). Remove from heat and let set for 5 minutes until stiff.

Preheat oven to 425°F. On a well greased pan/cookie sheet place heaping spoonful (approximately 3-4 tbsp) of mixture. Mash into shape (I like mine nicely rounded) about 1/4″ thick. Bake for 30 minutes on bottom rack, flip and bake 10-15 minutes more.

I served the patties on buns with feta cheese, tomato and mayo, but they also work great with gravy or however you prefer.

Enjoy!

Makes 6-9 patties