A steaming bowl of soup spells comfort whether there's a chill in the air or you just need a little tender loving care. Packed with flavor, these three favorites are hearty enough to make a meal.
This E-A-S-Y, chicken-licious recipe comes from the Best of Bridge Slow Cooker Cookbook (Robert Rose, July 2012, $29.99). It combines cooked chicken, healthy veggies (garlic, onion, 28 ounces tomatoes and corn), chicken broth, oregano and cumin.
With this one, we're talkin' 10 minutes to mix it up, 4 to 8 hours in the crockpot, and a few, last-minute steps to a delightful dinner. Twenty minutes before it's done, you stir in fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips and chipotle chili powder mixed with fresh lime juice for a delightful zing.
This Tex-Mex-inspired, ground beef number packs the perfect amount of heat. It's spicy enough for a jalapeno-addict like me but not too hot for those who don't need as much of a kick (Bob and our son Cole to be precise).
Cooked 4 to 6 hours in the crockpot, it's flavored with onion, oodles of tomatoes, green chiles, corn, black and pinto beans, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix and taco seasoning. Serve it with tortilla chips, a healthy dose of cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a soothing supper.
This meal maker from 300 Sensational Soups (Robert Rose Inc., October 2012, $24.95) is more stew than soup. It's loaded with ground beef, bacon and vegetables like beans, potatoes, corn, onion and garlic (Whew!) as well as my favorite tomatoes. Green chilies, cumin and chili powder take the flavor into Tex-Mex territory while crusty cornbread croutons add a satisfying crunch. Great when you're in a hurry, this comforting concoction takes only about an hour and a half to fix on the stovetop.
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