Rachael Ray's Soup- Create Your Own

This is a soup from Rachael Ray. It is delicious and you can basically make it your own! Here is what I used tonight:

1lb ground chicken
1/2 lean turkey Polish kielbasa

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

4 baby portabello mushrooms, chopped

32 oz chicken stock

2 red skin potatoes washed and chopped (I used 2 handfuls of baby fingerling which you don't have to chop)

15 oz diced tomatoes
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 bulk carrot, chopped
15 oz mild chili pinto beans (use your favorite)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon oregeno
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 bay leave
tabasco to taste
pepper jack cheese (optional to sprinkle on top at the end- I didn't do this tonight, but it adds a nice kick)

***substitute any ingredients you do not like for your favorites! This a great way to use up some pantry items! ***

1. Cook ground chicken in a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Remove to a plate.
2. Add in onions and garlic until tender. Then, add in kielbasa until slightly browned.
3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and cook mushrooms until tender.
4. Add chicken broth and potatoes, cook over medium high heat for 10 minutes.
5. Add remaining ingredients into pot as well as the reserved cooked ground chicken.
6. Simmer for as long as you have! This soup is fantastic after only 15 minutes and even better the next day!

Enjoy!
Leave comments...what did you change? How did you like it?