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TO MAKE THE SOUP:.
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If using the ground beef, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to large stock pot, and add beef.
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Break apart and brown until no longer pink.
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Add (fresh) onions, green pepper and garlic.
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Saute until vegetables are soft, but not browned.
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(If using dried versions, add them when adding the broth and other ingredients).
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Add chili powders, cumin, and smoked paprika to pot.
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Mix well with meat and vegetables and cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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Add broth, carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, tomato paste, lentils and salt.
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Stir well, cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 40 minutes.
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After 40 minutes, remove lid and bring pot to a rolling boil.
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Add broken linguine and chopped zucchini.
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Cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini and pasta are done.
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Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread with butter, and a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
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TO DELIVER THE SOUP AS MADE:.
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Place the soup in a container that can be heated on the stove.
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Secure the lid.
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Provide a large ladle and stoneware bowls for serving.
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Add a fresh loaf of bread to your package and deliver to your recipient.
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TO MAKE A SOUP GIFT BASKET:.
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Place the following ingredients in large basket lined with red and white checkered fabric or a bright bandana.
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Add bandana cloth napkins to the basket as an extra touch.
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Include the recipe card with instructions for cooking the soup.
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Remember to include the items on the recipe card that the recipient will need to purchase to complete the soup, such as the ground beef, if using.
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1 small bottle of olive oil, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 small green pepper, 1 package chicken-flavored bouillon cubes, 1 small container sea salt, 3 large carrots, 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes or two fresh tomatoes, 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, 1 (8-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, 1 pound linguine, 2 medium zucchini, and one small container of whipped butter.
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Measure 1/2 cup French lentils and place in a small glass jar with a lid.
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Measure the chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika and cumin and place in a small glass jar with lid.
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Place a brightly colored fabric scrap over the jar lids and secure with raffia, ribbon or a rubber band.
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Add a nice loaf of crusty Italian or Cuban bread to the basket, a large spoon for stirring and a large ladle for serving the soup.
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To finish, add 2 or 4 rugged stoneware bowls.
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And wait for the smile YOU will receive when giving the gift of hearty soup.
