Gypsy Soup

We've had about 8 inches of snow so far and the temperature is supposed to drop to the teens tonight. This is the perfect day to make a warm, comforting pot of soup. One of my standbys is Gypsy Soup. It is delicately spiced and cooks up pretty quickly.  The recipe was given to me by my daughter-in-law Alison.  We seem to enjoy many of the same foods and flavors so it's a pretty safe bet that if she likes a dish, that I will too.  I believe that Alison served the soup at her 30th birthday party and I immediately requested the recipe. I hope that you enjoy it too.

2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes,

peeled, seeded and chopped (canned also OK)                

2 tsp. olive oil                                                                        

2 cups chopped onion

3 medium garlic cloves, crushed

 1 stalk celery, chopped                                                                                                                                2 cups peeled, diced sweet potato                                       

1 tsp. salt                                                                                 

2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. basil

dash of cinnamon

dash of cayenne

1 bay leaf

3 cups water

2 cups green beans, sliced

1 1/2 cups cooked chick peas 

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven.  Add onion, garlic, celery, and sweet potato and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes.  Add salt and saute 5 minutes more.  Add seasonings and water, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes.

2. Add tomato pulp, green beans and chick peas.  Cover and simmer for about 10 more minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.  Taste to adjust seasonings and serve.

Serves 4-5

Adapted from Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

Notes: This recipe lends itself to all sorts of variations. Try other vegetables such as fennel, red peppers and/or zucchini. Any type of canned bean would be fine in place of the chick peas. Cumin is a great spice addition.  Experiment and make it your own.

I have gone to listing ingredients in one column instead of two since I can't get them to line up once the recipe is posted. If anyone knows how to do this, please let me know.