Saturday, November 20, 2010

Comfort Food X's Two

You know those weeks where you don't really know which end is up?  This was one of those.  But a couple of yummy comfort foods helped me through it.  

Firstly was this White Bean and Sausage Soup I found at The Girl Who Ate Everything.  Although in the interest of full disclosure I need to confess I just used plain old ground beef, seasoned up quite a bit.  I'm sure the sausage would be lovely, but I already had the ground beef, so there ya go.



This soup is so easy and fuss-free, it's perfect for a busy day.  Especially with a warm piece of crusty bread.  Here's the recipe:

4 (15 oz) cans of white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 (32 oz) cans or boxes of chicken broth
2 (28 oz) cans Italian style diced tomatoes
2 lbs mild Italian sausage
2 oz fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook sausage in frying pan until cooked through. In large pot, add sausage and then add all other ingredients. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
 

Secondly I made this beautiful Rice Pudding found at Lick The Bowl Good.  I've been thinking about it ever since I interviewed Monica for my last edition of Seven Sporadic Questions.



I feel sure there's not much out there that would be more comforting or soothing than this awesome rice pudding, except maybe xanax. But you don't need a prescription for the pudding.  Here's Monica's recipe...

1/2 cup arborio rice
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split*
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
1/2 pint raspberries (optional)

In a large saucepan, place all the ingredients, except the almond extract and raspberries. Bring it to a gentle boil and then turn it down to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom, for about 30 to 40 minutes. Taste the rice to check for oneness. The rice should be very soft and plump.

Take the pudding off the heat and stir in the extract. Pour into dessert bowls and stir in some fresh raspberries. Serve hot, warm, room temp or cold.
 
*Monica says she used vanilla extract after taking the pudding off the heat rather than a vanilla bean. That's what I did as well and it was just perfect. 

24 comments:

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

I haven't made rice pudding in awhile - I really don't know why! I've never made it with anything but leftover rice though. Bet the arborio is much creamier.

I love a good soup and this one looks so easy and delicious! Have a beautiful Sunday!!

Pam said...

Both recipes scream comfort food - they look so delicious.

Anonymous said...

LOL "you don't need a prescription for pudding" HAHA!

Brownieville Girl said...

Both look good, but the pudding is right up my street!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

I'll take a generous helping off both, please!
~ingrid

Chris said...

Yeah, I have had two of those weeks in a row, myself! Things are looking up for this week though.

That soup looks delicious and comforting!

teresa said...

mmmm, this post made me so warm in my tummy, everything looks so good!

Judy said...

That's a good soup recipe, looks easy and delicious!

Anonymous said...

Wow.... you get a double yum from me. Great job!

Unknown said...

That rice pudding looks so good! I might just have to make myself some.

Monet said...

Hi love! Can you believe I have never tried rice pudding before? Such a shame! The recipe that you included looks wonderful though. How can you go wrong with berries, cream and almond extract? Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a great week!

♥peachkins♥ said...

wow,they both look very comforting!

The JR said...

I used white beans for the 1st timee last week to make a soup and it had sausage in it too!

The rice pudding looks so mouth watering!

Biz said...

I love how simple that soup is! Thanks for sharing it :D

Kim said...

I love that you compared the rice pudding to the xanax. LOL! I think maybe I should make that right now because I could use the ultimate in comfort right now. As for the soup, you know I love that one. Doesn't matter if it's beef or sausage...it has beans, and I love beans!

Val said...

I need both of these recipes in my belly right away. xanax.......sweet mercy

Reeni said...

I could use both of these on these on this chilly night! Homemade rice pudding is the best!

grace said...

the presence of beans or sausage in a dish is enough to make me happy, but when both are involved, it's a whole new story. that soup rocks, and the rice pudding sounds delightful as well!

Claudia said...

On this chilly morning, I am getting warmed all over just looking at the soup. Easy and scrumptious. I think I'll make it! I'm going to visit your galette also. So enticing. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Blonde Duck said...

I've never had rice pudding,but always been curious. That bean soup looks right up my ally!

Anonymous said...

Both the soup and the pudding look so comforting and yummy! Thanks for sharing those! Happy Thanksgiving!

Emily Z said...

The white bean and sausage soup looks wonderfully hearty and delicious. I just made a soup with Italian sausage and tortellini which was also delicious. Soup is SO great this time of year.

Deborah said...

I'm having one of those days today! Both of these look so delicious and comforting!

test it comm said...

That soup looks tasty and along with the rice pudding it certainly is comfort food!