Meatball and Vegetable Soup with Tofu

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added tomatoes, chopped with their juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 10 ounces pork tenderloin, cut into large chunks
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch chunks

Preparation:

1. Combine navy beans and cold water to cover in large pot. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour. Drain. Combine beans and water to cover in same pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 45 minutes or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, in nonstick Dutch oven or flameproof casserole, heat oil over low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, 7 minutes or until onion is tender. Add bell pepper and carrot and cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until carrot is tender.

3. Stir in tomatoes and their juice and 3/4 teaspoon of salt and simmer, stirring frequently, until lightly thickened. Add spinach, drained beans, and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 5 minutes for flavors to blend.

4. Meanwhile, in food processor, process pork until coarsely ground. Transfer to bowl, add egg white, wheat germ, Parmesan and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix to combine.

Shape into 20 walnut-size meatballs. Uncover soup and drop meatballs and tofu into simmering soup. Cover and simmer 5 to 7 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.

Values per serving:
Calories: 500, Total Fat: 19 g
Fiber: 15.5 g