Warm Me Up!

I am sure all the snow we have had over the last two weeks has all the skiers and other winter sport enthusiasts smiling.

After a day spent out in the cold there is nothing better than to come in to a hot bowl of soup. This is a cross between chili, stew and soup and is one of the favourites in our home.
Chock full of vegetables, beans and meat it is a complete meal, just add a crusty loaf of ciabatta bread and a glass of hearty wine.

This is a great soup to serve a crowd after skiing or tobogganing.

Let it snow!

Hearty Hamburger Soup

• ~ olive oil
  
• 1 pound of lean ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion diced
• 1 celery rib diced
• 1 large carrot and 2 potatoes diced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of navy beans
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 4 to 6 cups of beef broth
• 1 tbsp each of oregano, basil and parsley
• 1 tsp of thyme
• salt and pepper

In a large soup pot heat the oil and add the celery and onions.
Cook until translucent.
Add the beef and cook until brown.
Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil then reduce heat and cook for 2 hours stirring occasionally, adding more beef broth if it gets to thick.
Adjust seasonings.
Ladle into bowls and serve.


Wine Suggestion: Shiraz

Cheers!