Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Chowder

HEARTY VEGETABLE CHOWDER

2 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (10 oz) can beef broth
2 cups spaghetti sauce (purchased or homemade)
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup spiral-shaped pasta, uncooked
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook bacon until crisp in large saucepan; drain; reserve drippings. Set bacon aside.

Cook onions in bacon drippings until tender.

Stir in beef broth, spaghetti sauce, water and basil. Add vegetables and pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Combine milk and flour until smooth. Stir in chowder. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle reserved bacon and Parmesan cheese over each serving if desired.

Servings: 4 (1 1/2 cups each)
Source: Cooking Up Miracles in our Lady of Lourdes Parish