Beef and Potato Soup's On!

Serves 8, 280 calories per serving

Happy Words of Wisdom: The whole world is in your hands! Treat everything with respect and watch life bloom all around you. Every atom in the universe plays a role. Each human being, each wild jumping salmon, each warm blanket, each ticking clock, each trembling leaf has its purpose in the cosmic scheme. Leave everything a little better than you found it. Treat all material objects with respect. Being respectful helps you grow as an individual and eventually we respect for no reason, but just because that is who we are.

ingredients

1 1/4 pounds beef stew meat
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
8 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
6 cups low-sodium beef broth
3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes purée
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcester sauce
4 large russet potatoes, peeled & cubed

directions

1
Cut stew meat into bite-size pieces. Heat oil in a large stockpot, add meat and brown on all sides over medium heat.
2
Transfer meat to a bowl. Add onion and celery to pan, adding more oil if needed. Cook, stirring over medium heat 5 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, carrots and garlic. Cook, stirring 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except potatoes. Add beef.
3
Bring to a simmer. Cook partially covered 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and cook, partially covered, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.