A lovely Monday

I bought Corinne this miniature dish drainer and some Rubbermaid tubs, and she was happily washing dishes all afternoon. It’s a huge thrill for her, and it gave me ample time to cook up a pot of soup. We got a great deal on some zucchini at the farmer’s market, but it needed to be used up sooner rather than later. It worked beautifully in this healthy and quick soup. This recipe is very adaptable. Add veggies that you have on hand. Substitute pasta for rice if you prefer. Add different herbs. Just be sure to start with the veggies that require longer cooking time and taste as you go.

Lovely Monday Soup

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 small carrots, diced
1 large rib celery, diced
1 T. olive oil
1 tsp. dried tarragon
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. turmeric
2 small red potatoes, diced
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 C water
1-3 tsp. Better than Bouillon no-chicken base
1 C cooked brown rice
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
optional: 1/2 package mock chicken strips (I like Trader Joe’s brand), roughly chopped

In a large, heavy pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in oil on medium heat until the vegetables to soften. Stir in tarragon, thyme, and turmeric, and heat for a minute more. Add potatoes, zucchini, water, garbanzo beans, and bouillon and simmer until all the vegetables are cooked through. Add additional water or broth as needed. Stir in cooked rice and adjust seasonings. Add mock chicken if using, heat through, and serve. This soup tastes even better the next day.