Bad days come in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes it’s just a little thing, like nearly breaking your nose while attempting the Crow pose at yoga class.
Or, your hairdresser’s eyes pop out of her head (cartoon style, complete with the old-fashioned car horn sound) when she sees the number of gray hairs you’ve sprouted since your last visit.
That can really bring a girl down.
But then – poof! – all is right in the world because someone hands you a bowl of soup and it warms you up from the inside out.
This creamy tomato soup with rice, finished with shaved parmesan, did exactly that for me the first time I had it. My friend, Tracey, treated me to this lovely bowl of yum, and it took her just 10 minutes to put together.
I was floored by its ease and deliciosity (not a word, just my word) and knew it would be appearing on my own table soon.
What’s so great about tomato rice soup?
Maybe it’s because a long cold winter, especially in New England, literally screams for soup. You can’t survive only on chili and chicken soup. Humans need variety!
And, while humans everywhere can all agree that tomato soup is not innovative or unique, there’s good reason it’s been a favorite for decades. That’s because it is…
- fast
- delicious
- filling
- nutritious
Why is this tomato soup so good for you?
As a nutrient-delivery vehicle, this super simple meal does suprisingly well. There’s tons of Vitamin C and lycopene (powerful antioxidants) from the tomato soup, as well as some calcium and protein. The whole grain rice adds more protein and some fiber as well.
It’s easy to adapt if you need the meal to be lower sodium. You can buy a reduced-sodium version of prepared tomato soup, such as from Campbell’s or Progresso.
Does it count as cooking if you’re using convenience foods?
Of course! Did you have to walk into the kitchen to make it? Then it counts.
Does it fill your belly? Is it comforting and warm? Then it counts.
It really is more like assembling than cooking, but I promise you won’t mind all the extra time you save.
What you’ll need to make this easy tomato soup
Hit up your local grocer and stock up on the THREE ingredients you’ll need. Yes, that’s all you need to pull off this gourmet little number.
- Prepared tomato soup (ie., Trader Joe’s or Campbell’s or Progresso, lower sodium if you like)
- Frozen brown rice (white, jasmine, or cauliflower rice can work, too)
- Shaved parmesan
Then, you, too, will be ready to deliver on a super simple meal with little effort. Soup’s on!
Creamy Tomato Soup with Rice and Shaved Parmesan
An ultra-simple tomato soup with rice for a cozy day. It takes just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes and soup's on!
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz container creamy tomato soup
- 1 10 oz bag frozen brown rice microwaveable
- 4 tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Heat soup according to package directions. This can usually be done either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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While the soup is heating, microwave the rice according to manufacturer's directions. Typically it is 3-4 minutes on High.
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Divide the rice into 4 soup bowls. Pour the hot soup over the rice in each bowl.
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Top with shaved Parmesan. Eat while hot.
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If there are any leftovers, allow soup to cool to room temparature. Then store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.
deliciosity? Websters’ according to Julie – LOVE it!! The boys will love this – thanks Jules!! (we don’t have a Trader Joe’s – thoughts on substitutes?)
You could absolutely go with Campbell’s tomato and make it with lowfat milk; for the rice it appears that Birds Eye also makes a frozen brown rice you could add (or use last night’s left overs). However, if you don’t have any cool cheeses in your fridge, there is just no hope for you 🙂