(Family Features) In today’s world, grocery shopping can seem more like a burden than an opportunity to gather supplies for your family’s favorite meals. With prices of everyday ingredients fluctuating almost daily, it’s important for many families to make their dollars go further at the store.
Easy ways to stretch your grocery budget, like using versatile ingredients, can make the checkout experience a little less impactful on your household’s finances. Consider the benefits of mushrooms, which provide a delicious option to enhance flavor in favorite recipes while extending portions in an affordable way.
Find more recipe ideas and ways to make the most of your grocery store dollars at MushroomCouncil.com.
Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup
Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks, MS, RD, on behalf of the Mushroom Council
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, small diced
8 ounces mushrooms, such as white button, crimini or portabella, sliced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups vegetable broth
6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
1 cup whole milk ricotta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Heat large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and mushrooms soften, 4-5 minutes.
Add marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, basil, salt, oregano, pepper, bay leaf and broth. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to low and simmer. Add lasagna noodles and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and spinach until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
Divide between bowls and top each with dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella.
Source: Mushroom Council
