Tobold Hornblower's Shire Soup

by Rhino/Tobold,

Serves 3-6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans of garbonzo beans (chic peas)
• Half Cup of Grated Cheese
• Pepper & salt to taste
• Half a cup of water
• Two cloves of garlic
• One half onion
• 1/8 stick of butter
• 1 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves or bay leaves (shredded)
• Olive oil
• Handful of capers (if wanted)

1. In a Deep frying pan, fry up olive oil, pressed garlic and onion.
2. Add garbonzo beans (save liquid it was stored in). heat for an additional 5-7 minutes.
3. Shred up baby spinach leaves; add to frying pan.
4. Add 1/8 stick of butter (this item can be left out, I do), after butter is melted, add the two cans of liquid that the garbonzos were stored in plus another 1/2 cup of water.
5. Add 1/2 cup of grated cheese (or more, I like mine cheesy) Add capers (if you don't like them, you don't have to add these great green wonders)
6. Bring to a boil, while stirring intermittently then let simmer for 5 minutes.

Possible add-ons

• Crackers, you just cant go wrong with these puppies -It is possible to add brown rice or even Pasta (elbows work great) after its done to make it heartier.
• Twice toasted bread is perfect for dipping -A small can of crushed tomatoes can be added instead of the 1/2 cup of water.
• Other vegetables can be added. (The greens ones are best), such as Brussels sprouts and artichoke hearts or even lentils.
• Cheese lovers can add a sizable chunk of blue cheese for flavor and added creaminess.
• Instead of grated cheese, you can use nutritional yeast or vegan friendly grated product.

-- PeteJohnson^? - 21 Oct 2005