4 cups low sodium broth, milk, tomato juice, or in combination with water

 

½ medium onion, chopped

1½ cups any vegetable(s) (canned, frozen, fresh, or leftover)

 

Meat and/or Beans

1 cup cooked or canned beans (drained and rinsed) or cooked meat

 

Starch or Thickener

1 cup cooked rice, barley, noodles, pasta (whole grains preferred – brown rice, whole wheat noodles or pasta)

 

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

½ teaspoon salt, 1/3 teaspoon pepper, herbs or spices to taste

1. In saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in the oil. Cook for 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Add optional garlic, cook 1 minute more.

2. Add liquid to onion mixture; bring to simmer.

3. Add vegetables, cooked beans and/or meat, and starch or thickener. Cook until everything is hot.

4. Add remaining seasonings. Cook an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.