Spicy Vegetable Soup

Fresh basil adds a bright spark to this vinegary, vegetable-stuffed soup, full of the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean. Alternatively, pesto adds a nutty richness to the soup.
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings, about 2 1/4 cups each
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 1 large onion, diced
3. 1-3 teaspoons hot paprika, or to taste
4. 2 14-ounce cans vegetable broth
5. 4 medium plum tomatoes, diced
6. 1 medium yellow summer squash, diced
7. 2 cups diced cooked potatoes (see Ingredient note)
8. 1 1/2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
9. 2 cups frozen spinach (5 ounces)
10. 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
11. 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or prepared pesto

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add paprika and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add broth, tomatoes, squash, potatoes and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in spinach and vinegar; continue cooking until heated through, 2 to 4 minutes more. Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or a dollop of pesto.

Recipe Tips & Notes:

1. Ingredient Note: Convenient cooked and diced potatoes can be found in the refrigerated section of the produce and/or dairy department of the supermarket.

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 253 calories; 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 5 g mono unsaturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrates; 9 g protein; 10 g fiber; 485 mg sodium; 1032 mg potassium
Nutrtion Bonus: Vitamin A (270% daily value), Vitamin C (60% dv), Folate (44% dv), Potassium (30% dv), Calcium (20% dv), Iron (20% dv).
2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 vegetable, 1 1/2 fat