I’ve been stuck home sick with a nasty cold for the past week. Yuck! Not only do I feel icky, but the weather outside has been equally cold and nasty.

Nothing feels better for a sore throat and a stuffy nose on a cold day than a warm bowl of soup. Healthy, satisfying and easy to make, soup is the perfect winter staple to add to your weekly dinner plan.

Tonight I made a delicious and nutritious pot of tomato celery soup that made me feel almost 100 percent healthy — almost.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large can petite diced tomato
3 large tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, diced
5 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot.
Once oil is hot, add in onion and garlic and sauté until soft and onions are translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Add in celery, carrots, and tomatoes and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add in broth and petite diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy hot with a chunk of crusty bread.

Edited by Jody Smith