The flavors in this soup were very good, but I just might not be a good crockpotter. The pasta ended up being mushy–maybe I cooked it too long!

Thursday: Tortilla Soup

We hadn’t made this soup in a while, and I don’t know why. It is soo good!! I added black beans to make it a little more filling. It would also be good with a side of cornbread. I may have to do that next time. Recipe courtesy of my in-laws.

2 Tbl. Vegetable oil

1 med. onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves minced garlic

3 Tbl ground cumin 

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

3 four-oz. cans diced chile peppers, drained

4 cans vegetable broth

1 eleven-oz can whole kernel corn (we used frozen corn)

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated cheddar cheese, about 1 cup

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced (for garnish)

Tortilla chips 

 

Heat the oil in large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cumin and sauté for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender (maybe closer to 10 minutes). Mix in tomatoes and chile peppers. Pour in the broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix corn into soup and continue cooking for about 5 minutes (maybe a little longer with frozen corn). Put tortilla chips into bowls, pour soup over, sprinkle with cheese and top with bits of avocado.

We were supposed to go out for a date night with our friends Heather and Rich last week but Ben was sick so we rescheduled for this week. We went to an adorable restaurant in DC called Chez Billy. I got a yummy salad and the moules frites. DEEE-licious!

Sunday:  Tacos

Again, we were supposed to have dinner with out friends the Hobbs last Sunday but since Ben was sick, we rescheduled for this Sunday. And we made the same meal, but with a few little extras! We had this southwestern chopped salad and bean and cheese tacos with homemade, whole wheat tortillas. Ben made Mexican rice (but with veggie broth, not chicken broth) and amazing margaritas. We had these delicious molten chocolate mousse cups for dessert.

Monday: Roasted Vegetable and Orzo Salad

I made this delicious orzo and roasted vegetable salad. So good and so healthy! I kind of combined this recipe and this recipe. I roasted broccoli, red pepper, red onion, sweet potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. I added the veggies to the orzo with a simple vinaigrette, feta, and sunflower seeds.

Tuesday: Leftovers

Boring but easy!