It seems I’m not the only one out there having trouble with the frigid temps lately. I’m just glad I didn’t set any language-related New Years resolutions. It’s hard to be a lady when you’re wearing multiple sweaters and still shivering, especially when you know it’s going to be almost 60 degrees and raining in a few days. I’m basically convinced at this point that “global warming” is just a nice way of saying “mad-cosmic PMS.”
Speaking of lady-like behavior…
Yep. That would be whiskey in a mug with deer on it. This awesome woodland-themed ceramics piece belongs to my friend Michelle. Last night some of the interns who live in hospital housing hosted a Wii night. I learned that apparently, I am terrible at Mario Kart after even just one adult beverage. It could also be that I’m just terrible at Mario Kart, period. Either way, I had a fun—laughing your butt off is a good remedy for cabin fever.
Anyway. If there’s one upside to cold weather, it’s the immense sense of comfort one gains from enjoying a bowl of soup. After stumbling across this recipe the other day, I decided to turn the spinach & cheese tortellini in my freezer into soup.
Almost all of the ingredients for this came from the freezer, which was a great way to make room for the many containers of leftovers—this made way more soup than expected, and I have no complaints about that.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 package frozen sliced bell pepper (fresh would work too)
- 1 cup cooked white beans (optional but I had some to use)
- oregano, to taste
- salt & pepper, to taste
- red pepper flakes, to taste
- 8-12 cups water (I used ~12, but start with 8 and see if you need more)
- 1 package tortellini (whatever kind sounds good to you)
- lots of kale (1/2 bunch, 1 bunch—whatever you want)
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
Directions:
- Saute garlic & onion in olive oil until soft. Add pepper and spices.
- Add water and bring to a boil. Add the beans, tortellini and kale. Turn down heat.
- Allow to cook, covered ~30 minutes. If needed, add more water and more spices.
- Uncover and cook down to desired thickness. Add xanthan gum (if using).
- Serve hot and garnished with grated cheese.
Is it hard for you to be a lady when it’s cold out? What’s your favorite kind of soup?
Hungry for more?
Subscribe to get the latest nutrition information, self-care strategies, and healthy living tips delivered right to your inbox.