Delicious and Easy Veggie-Rice Soup

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced,then cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced carrot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth (fat-free if possible)
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 12 cup picante sauce
• 12 cup uncooked rice
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 -2 large leek, sliced into 1/4 inch slices (optional)
• 14 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 -2 cup water

1. Combine all the vegetables, garlic, broth, tomato and picante sauces, rice and basil in a dutch oven or other large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
3. Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. If using leeks, add, along with parsley, and simmer 15 more minutes.
5. Add water according to your desired consistency.
6. Variation: substitute chicken broth for beef, and add a couple of diced (cooked) chicken breasts.

onion, celery, carrot, garlic, beef broth, tomato sauce, picante sauce, rice, basil, parsley, water

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/delicious-and-easy-veggie-rice-soup-77846 (may not work)