Ingredients:
1 large onions, thinly sliced,then cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth ( fat-free if possible)
1 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup picante sauce
1/2 cup uncooked rice
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 -2 large leeks, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 -2 cup water
Directions:
Combine all the vegetables, garlic, broth, tomato and picante sauces, rice and basil in a dutch oven or other large pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
If using leeks, add, along with parsley, and simmer 15 more minutes.
Add water according to your desired consistency.
Variation: substitute chicken broth for beef, and add a couple of diced (cooked) chicken breasts.
Servings: 8
Time preparation: 10 min.
Time total: 45 min.