Josy's Jammin' Tomato Soup

Please see notes regarding meats and pasta below.Chop garlic and onions, quite small. Chop remaining vegetables into bite-sized slices or chunks. Use whatever vegetables you and your family like. Fresh spinach is great in this soup.Note on meats: If using smoked sausage, slice into chunks and pre-cook in skillet until slightly brown. Set aside. If using left-over cooked chicken, beef, or pork, simply chunk and set aside.Note on pasta: Josy puts uncooked pasta directly into the soup. I don't like mine to get overcooked so I cook it separately (while soup simmers) and add it at right at the end.In a small bowl put all seasonings, and set aside. Note: This soup will be a bit spicy due to the curry powder so use cayenne and chipotle rather sparingly until you've tried it at the end.To cook soup: Using large soup pot, heat oil on medium then gently cook garlic and onions for 2 minutes.Turn heat up to medium high and toss in all raw/chopped vegetables. Stir and cook on medium high for approximately 5 or 10 minutes - I cover mine - until vegetables are cooked to about three-quarters done, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes.

Add meat, canned tomato soup, chopped tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, water, & seasonings to pot and stir well.Bring to a low boil/high simmer.If using uncooked pasta, add now. Stir well.Simmer for about 20 or 25 minutes - keep soup cooking at high enough temperature to cook the pasta. Stir occasionally.When pasta and vegetables in soup are fully cooked, add the canned beans and fresh parsley or cilantro. If using pre-cooked pasta, add now.Test flavor of soup. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Let simmer a further 5 minutes and you're ready to eat!

Garnish with a bit of greenery and enjoy with a hot crusty bread!