Hello hello!  I hope everyone’s Monday was as good as Mondays can be.

Ok, enough chit chat - get ready for an awesome recipe!  I don’t think I’ve professed my love for Food Network on my blog yet, and there’s no time like the present.  I am so fond of it that I watch it while I work out.  If you do too, raise your hand!  C’mon, I know I’m not the only one!  Ok, so my love with Food Network started with Rachael Ray and has grown exponentially since.  I know people find her annoying, but I personally like her cooking style – simple and fast.  One of the first recipes of hers that I made was stoup - ”thicker than a soup but not quite a stew.”  Since then, I’ve experimented with my own stoup creations inspired by Ms. Ray.  The one I made tonight does not disappoint…promise!

Veggie and Bean Stoup

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves of garlic finely minced
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 medium green zucchini, diced
5 small red potatoes, diced
1 medium sweet potato, diced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 14.5 ounce can petite cut diced tomatoes (no sodium added)
1 16 ounce can low sodium dark red kidney beans, drained
1 quart vegetable stock
Handful of crushed blue corn tortilla chips
Handful of reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon sour cream

Preheat large soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and after a minute or so add garlic and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add onions, zucchini, and potatoes and cook another 3-5 minutes. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder and mix well. Next, stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, and veggie broth. Bring the stoup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Serve stoup in bowl and top with cheese, chips, and sour cream. Finally, DEVOUR!

NOTE: Please adjust the seasonings and spices according to your personal preferences.  Personally, I can’t handle too much spiciness, but I do like a little kick, so just do what I do and taste test along the way, listen to your taste buds, and adjust accordingly!

As Rachael would say, “YUM-O!”  This stoup does not disappoint – it’s hearty, filling, flavorful, and delicious!

Experience the progression…

Veggies and beans galore

Simmering away...

"YUM-O"

So many different colors, textures, and flavors in one bowl

Alright, well, I’m off to clean up my HUGE mess of a kitchen and get ready for tomorrow.  I know I say this all the time, but I really feel like time is flying by…I can’t keep up!  Goodnight, y’all!!