RECIPE: Keep tummies happy with hearty tomato soup
Stretch this tomato soup over a week, using healthy and budget-friendly fillers resulting in simple and delicious meals.
The three-month-long month of January gets to even those who have mastered managing and sticking to a budget. On that note, Living and Loving shared this genius tomato soup recipe. Using minimal, cheap ingredients this soup can be enjoyed widely over a week or more.
Method to the magic
- Fry an onion and garlic until tender, then add three or four tins (depending on how many people you’re feeding) of peeled, chopped tomatoes.
- Cover with vegetable or chicken stock, add a sprinkling of mixed herbs and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 20 minutes until you have a glossy, thick tomato stew.
- Once cooled, pour the tomato mixture into seven different smaller containers or Ziploc bags to use throughout the week.
- Place them carefully in the freezer and use when you need them.
In its article, Living and Loving shared this weekly meal plan to stretch the tomato soup (and your budget):
Monday: A hearty bowl of soup
Reheat soup with a tin of sweetcorn until piping hot, for a healthy and delicious soup. Serve with toast and butter.
Try this one too: Cut back on meat with roasted tomato basil soup
Tuesday: A serving of saucy pasta
Boil macaroni or spaghetti until cooked but firm. Drain then add a knob of butter (or a dollop of coconut oil) and the defrosted tomato soup. Top with some grated cheese or basil/pesto (vegan option) for a yummy pasta dinner.
Wednesday: Dig into a packed potato
Boil potatoes or sweet potatoes until completely cooked. Place on a baking tray, cut the potatoes open and pour a little of the tomato mixture over each potato. Top with grated cheese and/or mixed herbs, then grill until golden and bubbling.
Thursday: Brilliant beans
Heat the tomato mixture with a tin or two of mixed beans and 1 tbsp sugar for homemade baked beans. Serve hot over toast.
Another great idea: 5 ways to stretch your budget using baked beans
Friday: Succulent chicken
Fry chicken pieces until crispy on the outside. Place in a baking tray with some cooked, chopped spinach. Pour over the tomato mixture and bake until the chicken is completely cooked.
Saturday: Mince magic
Fry some mince (meat or soya mince) until brown, then add the tomato mixture with some mixed herbs and 1 tsp curry powder (depending on the heat you prefer). Serve with thick slices of bread.
Sunday: Breakfast in the evening
Top buttered toast with fried or scrambled eggs and a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture – who can say no to breakfast for dinner?
For more meal inspiration, follow Blue Ribbon Bread on Facebook or visit www.blueribbon.co.za.
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