Winter Tomato Soup

Winter Tomato Soup
A delicious way to start the weekend.   This recipe is easy, delicious and healthy.  With winter still lingering around, and rain falling on our heads, get out of the weather and warm yourself up with this soup. 
It has Chicken, Chick Peas, Spinach, and Canned Tomatoes.  You can extend it if visitors stop by, with chicken or vegetable stock and add a few more ingredients, it is that versatile.  Also, look in your fridge of vegetables first and see what you have.  Chop it up, saute it and throw it in.  Another addition would be the meatballs from the previous post, or sausage to add more flavor and to make it more like a stew.  The base is simply a mirepoix (classic french saute/combination) of onion, celery and carrots, then add garlic, canned tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth.  Let simmer and serve with a pistou of pesto or arugula pesto or freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

For more soup recipes visit CUESA's website and notice their soup contest with local chefs.  Next CUESA newsletter is Favorite Taco's from local chefs, including Craig Stoll from Delfina and Alex Ong from Betelnut....this should be good!