Dutch Oven Lovin'

I'm a sucker for anything that can be cooked in my favorite all-time kitchen appliance:

So when I racked my brain for what to cook in my {beloved} dutch oven this week, the following recipe {filled with tasty veggies, hearty beans and just a few of my favorite spices} was the perfect answer:

Healthy, Hearty & Oh-So-Easy Vegetable Stew

{Shopping List}

From the produce department:

3 stalks of celery with leafy greens

3 carrots

1 medium sized yellow onion

2 cups of chopped collard greens

From the packaged foods aisle:

1/2 cup orzo pasta

32 oz carton vegetable broth

16 oz can pinto beans

16 oz can red kidney beans

16 oz can diced tomatoes

*all canned items should be low sodium

From your well stocked spice cabinet:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper

Chop onion, celery and carrots into bite sized pieces, reserving the leafy greens from the celery.  In a dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion, carrot and celery for 4 to 5 minutes.  Season with salt, black pepper, turmeric, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper.  Pour in the entire carton of vegetable stock, 3 cups of water and (undrained) can of diced tomatoes. Drop in 2 bay leaves, stir, then replace the lid and reduce to low heat.  Let simmer for at least 45 minutes. 

Drain both cans of beans and rinse under water until there is no foam as the water hits the beans. Turn the burner up to medium and toss in collard greens, celery greens, pinto and red kidney beans, and orzo. Give the pot a good stir then replace the lid and cook for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through the collards are soft in texture. Remove bay leaves before serving.

{Note: The orzo will get bigger and absorb more water the longer it sits.  It's particularly amazing the next day topped with a splash or two of hot sauce.}

Yes, I am aware that cooking a thick and hearty stew the second week of September is a bit premature {considering it is still very much summertime in this part of the world}, but sometimes a home-cooked bowl of goodness is exactly what you need to calm your senses and recharge your batteries for a busy week {ahem, month} ahead.