Swamp Soup

Talk about veggie overload! Who would have thought that vegetables could taste good!? They do in this wonderful soup I created. It all started with a Martha Stewart Cauliflower and Spinach soup. I then got creative adding my own ingredients. Fun part about this soup is you can change it up how ever you want. Pass on the Spinach and add Watercress instead! Skip the Garbanzo Beans and use peas or kidney beans. Want some meat in there? Add chicken, sausage or bacon. You get the picture! Have fun with it. And the swampy green color will certainly attract attention!

"Swamp Soup"
Ingredients:

2 tbs unsalted Butter
1 tbs EVO
1 small Onion
1 head Cauliflower
1 bunch Asparagus
1 head Broccoli
3 cups baby Spinach
1 bag Garbanzo Beans (chick peas)
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
4 cups low sodium Chicken Stock
2-3 cups Water
2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp each of Ground Pepper, Sage, Thyme and Rosemary

Directions:

1. Melt Butter and EVO in a large kettle over medium heat. Add chopped Onion; cook, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent (about 5 min.)
2. Add Chicken Stock.
3. Chop all veggies into small pieces and add to Stock, stirring as you go. Add water keeping liquid line even with the top of the veggies (about 3 cups).
4. Add Garbanzo Beans, Flax Seed and Spices.
5. Stir and cover, simmering for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. During this time you can cook the Minute Rice according to directions.
7. Once soup is cooked (veggies are soft) remove from heat and allow to cool. Then working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Poor soup into a bowl then back into the kettle when all is blended. Stir in cooked rice and reheat if necessary. Add more spices to taste. ENJOY!