Bon Appetit

I really enjoyed Jim Haynes' essay for NPR's series "This I Believe," Inviting the World To Dinner. He discusses his love of introducing people to people and his belief that we can love each other even if we do not understand each other.

African Peanut Soup

I didn't make this recipe up, just modified it to suit our needs. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes, with liquid
• 4 cups stock (vegetable or chicken)
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 2/3 cup smooth peanut butter (preferably without added sugar and preservatives)
• 1/2 cup instant brown rice
• salt to taste
• sherry to taste
  

1. Heat oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper until lightly browned and tender, stirring in garlic near the end to prevent burning.
2. Stir in tomatoes, stock, pepper, and chili powder. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
   
4. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.
5. Add salt to taste and a dash of sherry.
6. Serve. Makes about 5 servings.