The benefits of Lycopene – that antioxidant found in tomatoes…
Another tomato based meal. That’s not so bad considering all the health benefits we get from tomatoes and I specifically refer to the lycopene content in this bright, red fruit.
Our bodies are constantly undergoing oxidative stress and to combat that stress we need to have a healthy antioxidant and immune response system.
Pigment in brightly colored produce such as tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruits, and papaya with red flesh contain healthy amounts. Lycopene activates our immune system and allows it to promote genes that trigger key enzymes protecting against the environment, inflammation and oxidative stress. Source: NutritionalOutlook
One more BIG advantage of tomatoes: They are ALL NATURAL!
Orzo and Tomato Soup by Carla Vavala and found in her cookbook
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 1/2 large onion
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peel and chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 28 oz chopped tomatoes with Italian seasoning
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- salt to taste
- 1 jar roasted red peppers, drained then chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup half and half (I used fat free)
- 1 TBS fresh basil
In a large pot, heat the oil and add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook on medium high and stir until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Stir in pepper, tomatoes and simmer 15 minutes.
Add the vegetable stock and simmer another 5 – 10 minutes. Season with salt.
Add the roasted peppers and orzo. Simmer 10 minutes but make sure to stir because the orzo will clump .
Remove from heat, stir in cream and serve with fresh basil.
BAM! What flavor!
Add your favorite protein such as fish or chicken on the side and this is one perfect meal.
I want to make this soup! I really love soup. I haven’t made any in about a month b/c I feel funny making it in warm weather, but I think this is good reason to do it regardless!
I love that you use the fat free half and half it’s a sweeter taste and the broth must be so delciious as it looks!
Your soup looks so gorgeously creamy. It’s coolish here today–this would make a perfect dinner!
This recipe looks fantastic. I’ve just recently begun to use orzo in pasta salads and absolutely love the small rice-like size of the pasta. Putting it in a homemade tomato soup would be fantastic.