Recipe: Hearty Ham and Beef Soup (microwave)

HEARTY HAM AND BEEF SOUP

"This hearty main-course soup is a good way to use up leftover ham if you don't have any leftover ham, go to deli and ask for 1 slice of cooked ham 1/4 inch thick."

1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
1 (19 oz.) can Romano beans
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (to serve)

In 12-cup casserole or bowl, microwave butter at HIGH for 1 minute.

Add onion, garlic, green pepper and celery; microwave at HIGH for 3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in flour and stock, blending well.

Drain and chop tomatoes, reserving juice. Add tomatoes and beans to casserole along with their juices, basil and salt. Cover with waxed paper; microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.

Stir in ham; microwave at HIGH, uncovered, for 4 minutes.

Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.

(This recipes is based on 700 watt microwave oven, with the new higher wattage ovens of today you will have to adjust to lower cooking times.)

Servings: 6
Source: Canadian Livings Wintertime Cooking; March 2, 1987