winter soup

this is a little off topic, but i made a delicious winter soup the other day, and i just wanted to share the recipe:

2 tbs olive oil
6 cloves minced garlic
1 small minced onion
saute until brown

4 stalks minced celery
1 large minced green pepper
add to pot with salt and pepper, cook until soft.

2 large minced carrots
2 medium minced sweet potatoes
1 cup chicken broth
add to pot, cook until very mushy, then puree.

i chicken breast, cut into small pieces
cook in pot with a little bit of water/olive oil.
add pureed mix, add equal parts water
and chicken broth until you get the consistency you want.
add seasonings to taste. I used:
a pinch red pepper flakes
1 tsp crushed rosemary
1/2 tsp crushed thyme
2 bay leaves
salt & pepper

3 large diced russet potatoes
add to pot, simmer 10 minutes

2 cups peas (i used frozen)
3 cups cut green beans (i used fresh)
add to pot, cook until all veggies are tender.

Served with oven-warmed ciabatta bread - yummy!
avery ate a whole bowl of it! i was really happy to get all those veggies in her.