Preparation:
Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over low heat. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic and cook, covered, until the vegetables are tender and slightly colored, about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Uncover the pot, add the stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Pour the soup through a strainer, pressing hard with the back of a spoon to extract as much flavor as possible (but don't push the vegetables through the strainer....this is supposed to be a broth, not a puree). Discard the solids and return the broth to the pot. Add the rice, sherry, peppers, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer partially covered until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Correct the seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes: This light, healthful soup uses bell peppers for a mild flavor. To add heat, add a few serrano chiles. For a vegetarian version, use a vegetable stock in place of the chicken or beef stoc |
