I hate the freezing cold of winter. It makes me want to stay inside and hibernate until, oh, the temperature reaches above single-digit readings. At times like this, I only want to eat hot food, food that makes me forget about the forsaken weather and reminds me of warmer times.
I also dislike eating vegetables. Before being diagnosed with celiac disease, I did not think about what I was eating, how much fiber I got, making sure I was getting enough nutrients. The fact that I will reach a healthy state sooner if I eat well still does not make me want to eat vegetables. Let's be honest, my main vegetable intake is salsa. That's why the following recipe is so good. Its cheap, easy, delicious, and tastes just like salsa.
Not-your-Grandma's vegetable soup
This recipe does not contain mushy carrots or shrunken peas!
I recommend making this in a stock pot or Dutch oven so you only get one pit dirty.
Two tablespoons garlic
One (green) bell pepper, diced
One onion, diced
Once 28-oz can of stewed tomatoes
2 cups of chicken stock (check the label for wheat starch, etc)
2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp smoked paprika
Sautee the garlic in olive oil. Mix in the diced veggies and sautee for approximately 5 minutes. Pour in the entire can of tomatoes. Let the mixture get warm, then mix in the remaining spices and as much chicken stock as you like to make the soup your preferred consistency. Heat until bubbly. Serve with sour cream and cheese quesedillas (recipe forthcoming). You can change up the spices, add other veggies, or mix in chicken or turkey. This is a very versatile recipe that makes bearing winter a little easier AND healthier.
