I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m really not all that fond of Rachael Ray – I can’t watch her on tv, she just grates, endlessly – but to give her her due, I did rely heavily upon her approximately five years ago, when I was fresh out of graduate school, 1500 miles away from my mother’s cooking, broke as hell (heh, some things don’t change), and in need of dinner seven days a week.

I made a lot of Rachael Ray recipes those first two to three years, and while she’s slowly been phased out in favor of Jamie Oliver, Tyler Florence, Dave Lieberman, and Ina Garten, plus lots of food blogs and the ever popular Recipes Sent By My Mother…there are still one or two 30 Minute Meals I make.

And yes, they’re all soups. You know me so well.

There are two great things about this soup. First, it’s adaptable. Out of shallots? Yes, an onion works fine. No vegetable broth? I’ve made it with chicken and just plain water with no adverse effects. Craving bacon? Fry up a few slices and saute the onions/shallots and garlic in the fat. Can’t stand spinach? No one says you have to put it in.

The second great thing about this soup is that it takes fifteen minutes to make, and the most complicated part is chopping the shallots. Seriously, that’s it. It’s a great option when you’re exhausted and broke (otherwise known as: me.)

Homemade Tomato and Spinach Soup

1-2 shallots, minced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 T olive oil

1-28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1-28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained

2 C vegetable broth

1/2 bag of triple washed baby spinach

California Seasoned Pepper, to taste

Heat a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil. Meanwhile, mince shallots and chop garlic, tossing them in the pot when the oil’s hot. Saute for approximately five minutes, or until onion is translucent.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Season liberally with pepper. Simmer 10-15 minutes.

Dump in half the bag of spinach, stirring gently to wilt. Ladle into bowls, top with cheese.

And dinner’s done before the latest episode of Glee has gotten to the first song-and-dance number.