This post is really for Michelle...but y'all are welcome to enjoy the soup too.

The other day (week?), I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a friend who was out of the country for far (far, far) too long.  :)  I was so excited to see her because she's a delightful person, and quickly becoming one of my favorite friends. 

And I'm not just sayin' that because I know she'll read this.  :)

Anyway, I had the pleasure of bringing dinner to her (really, I was just looking for an excuse to make a big pot of my favorite soup).  When she asked for the recipe, I wasn't surprised.

It's good soup.

My mom got the recipe from a friend.  Then I got it from her. 

Then I tweaked it to suit my own fancy.

Have I mentioned how much I love this soup?!?!?!

Here's my ingredient list:

•  1 quart jar stewed tomatoes
• 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat (these chunks can come rather large.  I usually cut them down a bit with my kitchen sheers)
•  3 long sticks of carrots
•  3 long stalks of celery 
•  1 medium yellow onion
•  1/2 cup quinoa (the original recipe called for rice.  I prefer quinoa)

-  not pictured. 1 box natural beef broth (or stock, or whatever you have in the cupboard)

Start by browning the stew meat in a large skillet.

While the beef is browning, I cut everything up into relatively large slices/ chunks.

Once the meat is browned, place all carrots, celery, onions and beef in a pot with beef broth.

I made this particular one in a crock pot.  Stove top works just as well. 

Either way, it needs to boil for a few hours.

The crock pot took 6 hours.  I left it on low while we went to church, and switched it to high after we returned. 

Once all the veggies have softened, add quinoa and stewed tomatoes.

Cover and let boil for another 20-30 minutes.

Here's my crockpot at the SOUPer Bowl party on Sunday.

I didn't win (sigh).

But, I was so HAPPY that there was a gf soup there that I could enjoy.

The beautiful thing about this soup is that you can throw just about anything in there and it will turn out well.  I usually make this soup when I'm trying to clean out the fridge- and I find celery that isn't as crisp as I'd like (in order to eat raw, that is). 

I've forgotten the tomatoes....still good. 

I've added mushrooms....still good.

I've topped it with cheese....really good.

I've added farro instead of quinoa.....still good.

I've used chicken stock instead of beef....still good.

It's just a good soup.  :)  Even better when shared with friends.