Stuffed Pepper Soup

Tonight's dinner was a combination of circumstances, what was on special and what needed used up.  In some opinions, being able to look at those three circumstances and come up with a tasty dinner is what makes a successful home cook.  So I don't really have a particular chef's recipe to share with you.  I do have a recipe based on what I have learned about good food over the years.  I had the lovely, rich gravy left from the short ribs last night; some ground beef that needed used from the Patty Melts on Saturday and green peppers were summer worthy and on special this week at the grocery store. good + good + good = Stuffed Pepper Soup!

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Olive Oil
3/4 - 1 lb. lean ground beef
4 c. of beef stock (in my case I used the sauce from last night.)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 green peppers chopped
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp. allspice
Orzo pasta
Parmesan Cheese

First I used my immersion blender to smooth the sauce from last night.  I knew it would work because the classic flavors of beef stock, carrot, celery and leeks would make a perfect base in a dish to resemble the taste of stuffed bell peppers.  I added some beef broth to thin and bring to 4 cups.

Heat a bit of olive oil in a heavy bottom soup pot or dutch oven.  Brown the ground beef with the salt, pepper and allspice, until cooked and crumbly.

Add the onion, garlic and green pepper.  Saute until soft, about 5 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

Add the broth, tomatoes, bay leaf.  Simmer for 35-45 minutes.

Cook 1 cup of orzo pasta according to the package directions.

Spoon a scoop of cooked pasta into the bottom of a soup bowl.  Ladle the pepper soup over the pasta.  Top with fresh grated parmesan.  I served with a crispy corn muffin to add a bit of sweetness. 

Years ago, I had a customer visit my shop often.  She would bring her elderly mother in to get her out and about for an afternoon.  I always enjoyed chatting with Helen while her daughter shopped.  Miss Helen told me all about growing up in eastern Europe.  She loved bringing me treats she made.  It was her Pepper soup that inspired this recipe.  She clued me in on adding the allspice.  Try it, seriously it gives the green peppers an upscale taste!