Cheese Tortellini Soup

As always, I needed a fast recipe because I arrived home late (story of my life it seems!)  Besides having to pick up the tortellini on my way home (I grabbed these gluten free tortellini from Zehrs), I had everything else on hand! Fast, easy, inexpensive and tasty - try it!!

CHEESE TORTELLINI SOUP

Ingredients:

1 package of refrigerated fresh tortellini

6 cups of chicken broth

1 large can of diced tomatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 handfuls of fresh spinach or arugula

1 tbsp dried basil

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

• Heat oil over medium high in a large pot.  Add onions and saute until golden brown.  Add stock and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, add tortellini.  Reduce heat to medium and cook until al dente.
• Add tomatoes and juice, arugula, dried basil and ground pepper.  Simmer until arugula is wilted.
• Serve with Parmesan grated over top, if desired.
• ENJOY!

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

I needed something that would be quick and easy, include ingredients that I had on hand, and would make enough for a couple of dinners...Jamie Oliver to the rescue!  This recipe popped up on my Twitter feed and it completely fit the bill.  My only complaint is that it isn't hot enough for me, but my kids enjoyed it (and I just added more chili to mine!)  For someone who doesn't love leftovers; I ate this all week and enjoyed it more and more as the flavours deepened!!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH & CHICKPEA CURRY
Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced into 1" chunks

1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 fresh red Thai chili sliced

1 bunch of fresh cilantro, leaves removed and stems finely diced

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tbsp curry powder

1 tsp turmeric

1 large can of diced tomatoes

2- 400g cans of coconut milk

2-400g cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• Melt coconut oil over medium high heat in a large skillet.  Add ginger, garlic, red chili and onion.  Stir frequently until golden brown.  Add mustard seeds, curry, and cilantro stems.  Saute until crispy.
• Add the turmeric, can of tomatoes with juice, and coconut milk.  Bring to a boil and add squash and chickpeas.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender and sauce has thickened (approximately 25 to 30 mins).
• Serve over a bed of basmati rice.
• ENJOY!