Cure-all Spicy Minestrone Soup

I came back a few weeks ago from a 4 day trip to a sick mom. I've been teasing her that she missed me too much. aaawwww. LOL. In reality though- or so she claims, she got the terrible colds and flu from me! Admittedly, I was a bit sick before I left with a bad case of colds, but quickly dosed up on the vit. C just to make sure I am well for my trip. Anyhow, my mission then was to make her well in the quickest way possible and I sure do hope this helps.

Good ole fashioned chicken noodle soup for the colds is comforting, but try this deviation next time you're curing something. The spiciness helps clogged noses a lot too, plus it's loaded with vegetables which can only give you much needed additional nutrients.

The verdict: Mom's well =) Learn how to do this after the jump.


What you need:
2 bulbs, onions
1 stalk celery (around 5 stems)
1 eggplant
1 big Bell pepper
3 whole tomatoes, or 1 can peeled tomatoes
1 pc Hungarian sausage or shredded chicken
2 C Italian style tomato sauce (nothing sweet please)
2 C Chicken broth
2 C Water
1-3 tsp Chili flakes (depends on how spicy you want it to be- best to start with 1tsp)

1 Can cream-style corn
Croutons or Tortilla for serving

What to do: 
1. Chop all vegetables and sausage/ chicken brunoise (fine cubes of 1/4 inch cubes). Don't mix, set aside.
2. In a soup hot, saute chopped onions with a bit of oil until wilted.
3. Add celery, eggplant, bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook over medium fire until they become soft. This would  take roughly 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hungarian sausage or chicken and continue to saute. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix in canned tomato and tomato sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes and add in chicken broth and water. Add more water if needed, but not more than 1 cup (additional). Consistency should be watery and not thick.
6. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Add 1 tsp of chili flakes, or more if you wish it to be spicier.
7. Serve with a dollop of cream style corn and tortilla chips.

Enjoy =)

abbey