Pantry Challenge: Chicken Chili Soup

As February wound down, I figured it was time for a pantry challenge, which I'll explain in a future post. It was also cold and wet so I wanted either a bowl of soup or chili with fresh bread.

With a pantry challenge you never know if you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Last year we were able to make fresh cornbread with chili for a pantry challenge.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 2 cans (16 oz) Trader Joe's Low Fat Vegetarian Refried Pinto Beans Salsa Style
• 2 cans (15 oz) Kidney Beans
• 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles
• 1 can (12.5 oz) Trader Joe's Premium Chunk White Chicken in Broth
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Onions
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Hot Just Veggies Freeze-dried Tomatoes and Chilies 

Instructions

1. In medium sauce pan, combine the contents of all cans. 
2. Add spices and Freeze-dried Tomatoes and Chilies.
3. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat, and cook for at least an hour.

Budget Gourmet: Suprising Goodness From a Can

This year I'm going out to the playa for the first time. Many will say the experience is not about the food. I tend to eat only when I'm inspired by food. Hence, this might be a problem.

To face this challenge head on, I decided to see what I could do with canned goods or single-serve soups that don't require refrigeration. Today was my first attempt at turning canned chicken (something I'd never buy off the shelf at a grocery store) into a hearty tempting meal. This meal definitely has me rethinking other canned goods that I've scoffed at and passed by previously.

Chicken with Italian Herb Marinara

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1/2 of a box (16 oz) of Imagine's Fire Roasted Tomato Bisque (2nd half of soup needs to be refrigerated)
• 1 can (12.5 oz) Trader Joe's Premium Chunk Chicken in Water
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp Rosemary
• 1 Tbsp Thyme
• 1 Tbsp Oregano
• 1 Tbsp Basil
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder (NOTE: Don't use garlic salt. The chicken has been packed with salt.)

Instructions

Pour soup into in a 2.5L pot. Add chicken along with the water in which it's packed to the soup and blend. Combine the tomato paste and stir until well mixed. Add spices and blend. Heat until the sauce begins to boil. Serve over your favorite pasta.