Tomato and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

1 large onion

4 tbsp olive oil

8 garlic cloves

Bunch of fresh basil

28 ounces tomato sauce

54 ounces beef broth (or stock)

12 ounces V8 Juice

1 cup cooked white rice

1 cup cooked elbow pasta

2 tbsp dried oregano

2 tbsp garlic powder

1.5 tbsp honey

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp pepper

2 tsp crushed red pepper

Instructions:

Grate onion on a box grater or pulse in a food processor, sauté in olive oil until translucent.

Add minced garlic, tomato sauce, spices, and honey.

Cook for 5 minutes.

Add broth (or stock), V8 Juice, and basil and let simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Add cooked rice and pasta just before serving.

Notes:

Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.

Spicier Version: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

Protein Addition: Add cooked shredded chicken or sausage for extra protein.

Different Grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Blanch and peel about 4-5 large tomatoes, then puree them to substitute for the 28 ounces of tomato sauce.

Is it necessary to use V8 Juice in this recipe?

V8 Juice enhances the vegetable flavor of the soup, but if you don’t have it, you can use additional tomato sauce or even a combination of tomato sauce and vegetable juice.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of the soup.

How can I make the soup spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper, or add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini, orzo, or small shells instead of elbow pasta.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup.

Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is it necessary to cook the rice and pasta before adding them to the soup?

Yes, it’s best to cook the rice and pasta separately before adding them to ensure they are fully cooked and to prevent them from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Certainly! Chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions.

Add them with the onion and garlic to sauté.

How can I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after simmering, or stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheese until melted and combined.