Appetizers, Brunch, Dinner Entrees, Lunch, Soups

Rich Italian Soup

Looking for a healthy soup in less than an hour? Either on a cold day or whenever, this  is just the one you have been waiting to try!

Rich Italian Soup

Print Recipe
If you're under the weather, try this comfort soup. My sweet Italian girlfriend brought this to me when I was sick. You can add almost any veggies you have on hand. That's the beauty and ease of it. So use up your pantry items and try this Super low in carbs, Super high in flavor soup. I skip the pasta and instead I dip crusty buttered bread in it. YUMMMM!!
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Basil, Canned Beans, Carrot, Celery, Chicken Stock, Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Green Beans, Lemon, Onion, Oregano, Potatoes, Red Kidney Beans, Red Roasted Peppers, Thyme
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven Or Large Sauce Pan with Lid or Crock Pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fry Pan I Like Cast Iron

Ingredients

  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
  • 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped Or White Onion
  • 1 Diced green pepper
  • 3 Carrots, Chopped
  • 3 Celery Stalks, Chopped Add the leaves which are full of flavor!
  • 1 32oz Box Chicken Stock Or 4 Cups of Water and 1 Tbsp "Better Than Bouillon" Concentrate
  • 1 Cup Potatoes, Diced
  • 1 28oz Can Crushed Tomatoes Organic
  • 1 14.5oz Can Diced Tomatoes Organic
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Jarred Roasted Red Pepper Chopped
  • 1 14 oz Canned Italian Green Beans Or Regular or Frozen Green Beans
  • 1 Can of Beans Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans and chickpeas are all great for blood glucose control, as they are very high in fiber and contain protein. Include the water in the can if salt is not a problem for you. Otherwise drain the water before adding.
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh or Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbsp Powdered Garlic
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dried Thyme Or 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil Divided and Chopped Save Half for Garnish
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt More or Less To Your Taste
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper More or Less To Your Taste

Instructions

  • Gather all ingredients and tools to save you time.
  • Brown ground beef in EVOO in Dutch Oven (or skillet, if using a crock pot).
  • Add onion, green pepper, celery and onion to pot. Saute until veggies are soft.
  • Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer on low. How easy is that? Ladle out in bowls and garnish with fresh basil.
  • You can actually enjoy this right away, however, it is best after simmering for 30 minutes. It is super flavorful the next day. Enjoy!!
Appetizers, Lunch

Quick Pizza

After school or late night snack-attacks are scrumptiously satisfied with this fast and easy pizza. Switch out the toppings to your favorites. You will love how quick this comes together and melts in your mouth. Oh yes, and so will your family. This is one you may need to double. Enjoy!

Quick Pizzas

Print Recipe
Approximately 8 carbohydrates per one half of pizza
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword mozzarella, pepperoni, pizza
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or your favorite skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife for chopping
  • Tablespoon
  • 1 Small bowl
  • Paper Towels
  • Serving plates

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (evoo) evoo
  • 2 Low carb wraps. I love BFree Quinoa & Chia Seed Wraps that are also gluten free.
  • ½ Cup Diced green pepper
  • 5 Ounce Sliced turkey pepperoni Or your favorite pepperoni
  • ½ Cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 Tbsp Pizza or pasta sauce I like Hunts pasta sauce since it is low in carbs and tastes great.
  • 16 Ounces Fresh mozzarella log Cut into ¼ inch thick medallions.
  • 1 Tbsp Freshly chopped basil or parsley
  • ½ Tsp Red pepper flakes Optional

Instructions

  • Gather all "tools for the trade" including your ingredients to save time when you and your kids are craving pizza!!
  • Heat 1 tbsp evoo in skillet on medium high. Char first wrap until crispy and golden, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Repeat with second wrap and set aside on serving plates.
  • Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese on wraps. Melt in microwave.
  • In same skillet, saute green pepper in 1 tbsp evoo on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes until soft. Remove to a small bowl.
  • Crisp pepperoni (less than a minute) on both sides in same medium high skillet.
  • Place mozzarella medallions on paper towels to absorb wetness.
  • Assemble Pizzas: Spread pizza sauce over cheddar cheese with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle each pizza with green peppers.
  • Top with overlapping pepperoni and mozzarella.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes and drizzle with evoo.
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