Rainy Day Picnic Soup

By Angi H.  It has been raining off and on here in Texas for the last 3 days.  It has been such a nice break from the heat and humidity.  I figured that with all the rain and the temperature in the low 70's that it was a perfect time to make Rainy Day Picnic Soup.  This recipe has been in our family for years.  I remember eating it while growing up.  This recipe does not need to be eaten on a rainy day but it sure is fun to because it goes with the name.  This recipe has a few different variations between us family members.  The original recipe doesn't have meat in it.  I prefer a more hearty soup so I add it.  My sister will add stewed or canned tomatoes to her recipe.  I have also made this recipe Gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles instead of regular noodles.  Enjoy!

Rainy Day Picnic Soup

1lb hamburger or other ground meat of your choice. Cooked and drained. 
In stock pot or large pot place:
4 cups water
5 beef bullion cubes (you can also use beef broth instead of water and bullion)
1 can black beans undrained (the original recipe uses kidney beans.  I say use what you have on hand or prefer)
1 can tomato sauce 14 oz or 2-8 ounce cans
2 cups vegetables (I used 1 can corn and can of green beans undrained.)*
1 1/2 cups noodles (I used gluten-free rotini noodles but any kind of noodle like macaroni, rotini or penne works great)**
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
3 T olive oil
salt to taste

Place all ingredients in pot. Bring to boil and then simmer for 30 minutes or until noodles and vegetables are cooked.

 *I have used frozen corn and frozen carrots before.  Works just as well as the canned stuff.  You do not need to add extra water when using frozen vegetables. 

**The original recipe calls for 1 cup of noodles but I prefer more so it make it a more thicker chili than a runny soup. 

Rainy Day Picnic Soup