Red Chili Vegetable Soup
1 1/2 quarts fat-skimmed chicken or vegetable broth
1 onion (1/2 lb.), chopped
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 1/2 T. ground dried New Mexico or California chilies, or 1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 lb. carrots, peeled
1/2 lb. thin-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
1/2 lb. green beans, ends trimmed
About 1/3 C. crumbled cotija or feta cheese
About 1/2 C. nonfat or reduced-fat sour cream
Crisp corn tortilla strips
Salt and pepper
In a 4- to 5-quart pan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 C. broth, onion, and garlic. Cover and stir occasionally until onion is limp, 5 to 6 minutes. Add chili, cumin, and oregano; stir about 30 seconds. Add remaining broth, cover, and bring to boiling over high heat. Meanwhile, cut carrots diagonally into about 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Cut beans into 2-inch lengths. Add carrots and potatoes to pan; cover. When boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Turn heat to high, uncover, add beans, and when boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until vegetables are tender to bite, 5 to 7 minutes. Ladle into bowls. Add cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, salt, and pepper to taste.
Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 159
Fat: 2.3g
Fiber: 3.3g