Rachel Ray and Katie Couric - separated at birth.
Tex-Mex Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup red bell pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (28 oz) no-salt added diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 oz) no-salt added black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp chipotle pepper sauce
• freshly squeezed juice of 1 small lime
• 3 corn tortillas (6" diameter), sliced into 1/4" strips
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. Place carrots, celery, and bell pepper in small microwaveable bowl. Add 1/4 cup water, cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap, and microwave on high 5 minutes, or until vegetables are just tender.
2. Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add steamed vegetables and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Saute 5 minutes more, or until vegetables are slightly caramelized.
4. Add tomatoes (with juice) and water. (Depending on the brand of tomatoes, you may need to add more water.)
5. Add beans, cilantro, and chipotle sauce and stir to blend. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Add lime juice and serve topped with tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.