CUBAN SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Place first 11 ingredients in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended, 5-6 hours., Stir in pasta; cook, covered, on high until pasta is tender, 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf; stir in spinach until wilted. Serve with cheese.

Steps:

• In 3-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion in oil about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, salt and pepper. Cover; simmer over medium-low heat 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in half-and-half and basil.
• Carefully pour half of mixture into blender. Cover; blend on high speed about 30 seconds or until smooth. Place blended mixture in bowl. Repeat with second half of mixture. Return blended soup mixture to saucepan; heat over medium-low heat until heated through. Top servings with Parmesan cheese.
• To make ahead and freeze: Make soup as directed in steps 1 and 2; cool to room temperature. Place in 1-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Seal bag. Lay flat and freeze up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. Heat in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat; stir in half-and-half and basil. Continue with step 4.