Hearty Tomato Soup

During the cold, winter months, don't you just crave hot, hearty soups that you can eat while curled up by the fire with a comfy blanket and a great book? And, to make the setting even better, imagine said soup served with a side of grilled cheese, a fresh baguette, or delicious garlic toast. Yum! This easy meal is just that: a hearty tomato soup with vegetables and shredded chicken.

Here is what you need:

• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 5 slices thick bacon, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 4 cups stewed tomatoes
• 1 tbs sugar
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Grated cheese, as desired
• Crumbled, cooked bacon, as desired

Here is what you do:

1. In a large saucepan, cook bacon.
2. Add shredded chicken, onion, and carrots.
3. Sauté in butter and extra virgin olive oil for a few minutes, just until vegetables are soft but not brown. (If you didn't precook your chicken, make sure the chicken is mostly cooked at this point.)
4. Transfer the meat and veggies into a large pot and add broth, tomatoes, sugar, curry, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
5. Serve a portion with your special side and a sprinkle of grated cheese and crumbled bacon pieces.
6. Allow the rest to cool completely and then label and freeze for a quick, healthy meal later.

Go grab your favorite book because you’ll be relaxing by the warm fire and diving into your soup and the pages of your book in no time!