Angel Hair and Fresh Vegetable Soup

Red bell peppers contain 10 times as much beta-carotene as green bell peppers. This flavorful soup is just one way to incorporate them into your diet.

1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium sweet red pepper, seeded and cut into very thin slices
1 quart water
1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup packed fresh spinach, thinly sliced
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 ounces dry angel hair pasta, broken in quarters
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese


1.Combine first seven ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2.Cover, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes or just until vegetables are tender.
3.Add spinach, mushrooms and angel hair pasta.
4.Simmer 3 to 4 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
5.Ladle into serving bowls, and sprinkle each with Parmesan cheese.

Yield -- 8 servings (1 cup each)

Per serving:
Calories: 44
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrate: 7 g
Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 111 mg
Potassium: 173 mg