Spicy Tomato Garden Soup

Fall is here.  It is soup time.  If you are tired of the same tomato soup recipe, here is one with a kick.  It is made nutritious with the addition of all the vegetables you would like to put to use in your fridge.  This is a comforting soup that will make you say, whew but good.  The balsamic vinegar gives it an additional dimension and so does the cumin which you can skip if you are not into it.  This is a good dunking vehicle for crusty bread so if you prefer to dip than slurp you can do that too.  If you want it more soupy and creamy add more milk. 

Spicy Tomato Garden Soup

• 5 medium tomatoes (about 5 cups)
• 1 small onion
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 green pepper
• 1 small sweet potato
• 1 whole jalapeno pepper, stem removed
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp dry garlic flakes
• 1 tbsp dry onion flakes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp dry basil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Place the first seven ingredients in the blender according to sequence given till well mixed.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixture and blend again.

Transfer the whole mixture to a pot and allow to boil for a few minutes and then simmer for 30 minutes or so till the flavors of the spices and vegetables blended.  

Vita Mix Chia Cheese Pimiento Spread

The chia seeds do make wonders in making this spread attain a creamy texture despite the absence of cream, butter or real cheese. I have eaten this over toast and as my filling for a sandwich.  (Have lettuce as a barrier between bread and this concoction or spread a bit of Earth Balance on the bread when using for a sandwich).

I have developed a craving for this spread both for its taste and texture.  It is also motivating that it has the superfood chia seeds performing a great role in making the texture appealing aside from increasing its nutritional value. .

I did use my Vita Mix Blender for this spread.  I placed the vegetable ingredients one at a time and in the sequence given and it worked.

I had this for my lunch as a sandwich and as my breakfast over bread that I toasted together with some spinach on top in my toaster oven.  Very satisfying.

Vita Mix Chia Cheese Pimiento Spread

• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and seeds removed, cut into 4 pieces 
• 1 large whole roasted red pepper bottled in water, drained well of any liquid
• 20 olives with pimento centers
• 6 oz Daiya cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp dry garlic flakes or 4 fresh garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp Splenda or sugar (optional)

Place the ingredients into your Vita Mix blender according to the sequence given.  Drain off any liquid.  Let it rest in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.  Serve over toasts or filling for a sandwich or as a vegetable dip.