Taco Soup for the Soul

Taco soup for the soul.

Vegetarian and or vegan

With the holidays and cold winter weather comes comfort food! I hope you enjoyed your share of yummy warm comfort food over the holidays, guilt-free. If you are like me and experienced your fair share of cookies and mac n' cheese, your body might be feeling a little starved for some veggies. This is an easy, delicious, and healthy recipe that will satisfy your comfort food cravings and fill your need for some nutrients! It is a win-win! NOTE: This is a vegetarian recipe but can easily be made vegan but switching the cheese on top to vegan cheese or leaving it off altogether. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 boxes of vegetable broth
• 2 packs of your favorite taco seasoning
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 small pack of multi-colored small bell peppers  
• 1 small head of cauliflower 
• 1 sweet potato
• 1 can of pinto beans
• 1 can of corn
• 1 can of mild green chillies
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1/2 avocado
• Cheese, vegan cheese or regular cheddar

Spices and Oils:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cuman
• Chili powder
• Olive Oil

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350.
• Chop onion and sautee in olive oil in a large soup pot.
• Chop sweet potato, bell peppers, and cauliflower.
• When onions are browned add in chopped bell peppers and sautee.
• Spread sweet potato and cauliflower on a baking sheet.
• Toss veggies with olive oil and taco seasoning.
• Roast at 350 until browned.
• Add remaining taco seasoning to onions and peppers in the pot. 
• Add can of green chilies and stir.
• Add both boxes of veggie broth and simmer.
• Add corn, pinto beans, and the second pack of taco seasoning and stir.
• If you don't already have cooked rice go ahead and cook some and add 1 cup of cooked rice to the soup.
• When your veggies are done roasting add those to the pot as well. 
• Now that all the ingredients are simmering we need to add a Tsp of salt. Give it a taste and adjust accordingly.
• I like my soup to be really flavorful so I add a little extra chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. 
• Top with avocado and a little cheese.
• Enjoy! 

This recipe makes several servings so you can have it ready for a quick meal for the next few days. Plus the longer the soup sits, the better it tastes! Hope you had a fantastic holiday. If you feel some negative thoughts about your body creeping in try this affirmation: "I am so grateful for all the food, fun, and memories I shared this holiday season. I am looking forward to getting back to my normal schedule." It is okay to indulge and also get back to a balanced, healthy place. Enjoy.