Ever have one of those nights? I know you have. Perfect storm of frustration, low energy, later-than-expected end of the day and perhaps just a wee tincture of headache?
For those nights when you absolutely, truly, utterly can't summon up the strength of character necessary to chop an onion... those nights when it's almost more than you can do to open a couple of cans... I present this extraordinarily humble (and, honestly, pretty darn good-tasting) soup.
It contains NO fresh vegetables. NO sauteed ingredients. NO additional spices beyond those your Processed Food Manufacturer of Choice has seen fit to include. And your kids (and, more than likely, your sweetie and/or yourself) will thank you for it.
Don't worry. I won't tell a soul if you won't. We'll all get back on our nice whole foods from the earth as nature intended bandwagon tomorrow, and no one will be the wiser...
Superdownmarket Four-Ingredient Soup
Serves six, probably... who knows, really?
12 ounces (1 package) frankfurters, aka hot dogs, halved lengthwise and sliced... I used some fancyish stuff we had sitting around, but this would be totally just as good with Hebrew Nationals or whatever, really... or even without any meat, were you so inclined
2 15-ounce cans chili beans
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 1-ounce can diced tomatoes with chiles (or another can of plain ol' diced tomatoes, if you like)
1 19-ounce can (non-condensed) minestrone or other vegetable-type soup
(Totally optional ingredients 5, 6 and 7 for garnish: grated cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions)
In a dry soup pot, cook the sliced frankfurters briefly, stirring, until they just begin to brown.
Add everything else. Except, of course, the garnishy stuff.
Cover and cook over medium-low heat until you're ready to eat. Garnish, or don't.
That's it. Have a happy night.
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