Snow Day Soup

Seriously, who isn't going to put a pot of soup on during this week of snow?  I had taken advantage of the 10/$1 items while at the store this week and bought some chicken, not really having a plan with it.  Which by the way is only $1.98 lb. for skinless, boneless breasts and thighs!  As the weather predictions got worse and worse, my couch and a movie were calling my name!  Here is a recipe that fits my Food Trifecta-inexpensive (10-12 servings for about $15!), healthy and yup, so important-easy clean up!  One pot, lots of veges, and a tasty blend of spices, along with about 15 minutes to put together, I was curled up on a Sunday afternoon knowing I would be happy come dinner time!
Use this as a skeleton recipe when needing a quick dinner in a pinch.  Switch out the protein, veges and beans for what you have on hand.  Combine black beans with some Mexican flavors like cumin and chili powder; use chicken with lemon and oregano for a Greek flair; or what about using some of the shrimp you have on hand with some old bay and white beans? That may be interesting.
Stay warm and eat soup!

Items from Shop 'n Save Sale Flyer (this week and last!):
Chicken
Beans
canned tomatoes
chicken broth
celery
carrot

From the Pantry:
spices
onion
tomato paste

Chicken and Bean Soup
printable recipe

3 T. olive oil
3 stalks celery, chopped in 1" pieces
1 (16 oz.) bag of baby carrots, or 3 carrots, peeled and cut in 1" pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 (28 oz.) can of diced tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz.) cans of chicken broth
2 T. tomato paste
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken, cut in pieces
2 (15 oz.) cans of red kidney beans, rinsed
2 bay leaves
1 T. dried Italian spices
2 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper

In a large pot heat the oil.  Saute the onion, celery and carrots for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste and spices.

Add the chicken.

Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.'
Add the kidney beans and continue to simmer for 20 minutes, until beans are soften and soup has thickened slightly.

Discard bay leaves before serving.