Roasted Tomato, White Bean & Orzo Soup

This delicious vegan soup is so yummy and so good for kids because it hides lots of vitamin c and veggie goodness but includes some delicious pasta for fussy eaters. It's also just yummy for adults as a warming hearty lunch served with some crusty bread. You can keep it vegan or make it extra decadent by adding in some heavy cream if you eat dairy for that added decadence. If you are gluten free, just keep out the orzo or cook it on the side for your kids to add in. It’s a flexible, nourishing soup that is made to feel creamy from the white beans and has incredible flavor. It is perfect for a slightly chilly fall day for you and your family, or just to keep in the fridge for lunch for the week!

Here's what you will need to make it: 1lb tomatoes (I like organic baby heirloom for this)

1 can white beans 2 carrots 2 celery sticks 1/2 an onion or 1 shallot 1 Bay leaf

Olive oil Salt/pepper 4 small cloves garlic 1 16oz can crushed San Marzano or Mutti tomatoes 1 carton vegetable broth (can use organic chicken bone broth if you aren't vegan) 1 cup orzo (optional)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut your tomatoes in half and line them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt/ pepper. Bake for 30 minutes low and slow until

juicy. In a large dutch oven, sautee your onion and garlic in a generous splash of olive oil with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the diced carrots and celery along with your bay leaf. Sweat the veggies for a while and then add in the roasted tomatoes from the oven, your tomato sauce, the can of white beans and your choice of broth plus the basil. Bring it to a boil for about 10-15 minutes. Remove rosemary from your soup and discard. Then ladle your soup in to your blender and blend until smooth. Add it back in to your dutch oven and turn the heat on a medium/ high again and add in your orzo, (if you are using it). You can also boil it on the side separately for your kids and add it in just to theirs. Boil for about 7-10 minutes until the orzo is cooked. Once the pasta is cooked, serve with a big drizzle of olive oil (or heavy cream if you’re feeling naughty). Definitely with some crusty bread or even some garlic bread and enjoy it's roasted sweet and healthy goodness. Buon Appetito!