This recipe came from our dear friend, Gary Mirabella.  As you can probably tell by his last name he’s Italian so, when he suggested I make this, I had no doubt it was going to taste amazing!  And, as with every recipe he has shared with us, it was.  So try this tonight for dinner and, for those of you with someone restricted to a pureed diet, don’t forget to save some to puree for them!

1 19oz can of Progresso Lentil soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove of garlic minced
¼ cup diced onions
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
¼ grated Romano cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz macaroni salad pasta

Directions: In a medium sauce pan sauté the onions until they are translucent. Add in the spinach and garlic and continue to sauté until the spinach is wilted. Over medium heat, add soup, cheeses and seasonings. Stir to combine. When the mixture begins to bubble and the cheeses begin to melt, reduce heat to low and continue to cook stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and add to soup mixture. Top with a sprinkle of Romano and/or Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of fresh steamed vegetables.

 Pureed Dinner

1. Place 1 cup of Pasta Lenticchie and 1 cup of vegetables into the Vitamix and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and increase to Variable 4.
4. Blend for 15-30 seconds using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades. Increase speed and liquid as needed to reach the desired texture.

Food tip: When preparing dinners, make sure there are no food allergies to the ingredients. Using canned soup is fine but making your own ensures only the freshest ingredients go into it.

Time Tip: Double the recipe and puree the leftovers in the proportions listed above and freeze in ice cube trays covered in plastic wrap. Store in labeled and dated freezer bags.

Money Tip: Making your own soup from dried lentils saves money. Shop in markets that sell beans in bulk bags or bins. Store dried lentils in airtight bins in a cool dry place.