Ranchero Soup

Name: Ranchero Soup
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).
Ingredients: 1 large onion, quartered; 3 celery ribs; 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise; 1 large sweet red pepper, quartered and seeded; 1 poblano pepper, quartered and seeded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth; 1 cup frozen sliced carrots; 1 cup cooked rice; 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

“Packed with garden-fresh veggies, this ‘vitamin soup’ goes with just about any grilled meat, fish or fowl,” Leah Lyon of Ada, Oklahoma notes. “Carrots and fire-roasted tomatoes add great color, but the variations are almost endless. Just toss in whatever you have in the garden or fridge!”

Ingredients

1 large onion, quartered
3 celery ribs
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 large sweet red pepper, quartered and seeded
1 poblano pepper, quartered and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth
1 cup frozen sliced carrots
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

Directions

Brush the onion, celery, zucchini and peppers with oil. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tons, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill vegetables, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 7-8 minutes on each side or until tender (pepper skins will char).
Immediately place peppers in a bowl; cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes. Peel off and discard charred skin. Coarsely chop grilled vegetables.
In a large saucepan, combine the tomatoes, broth and carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Stir in grilled vegetables, rice and lemon-pepper; heat through.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 99 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Grilled Veggie Ranchero and Rice Soup in Light & Tasty August/September 2006