we have had a bit of a cold spell lately
it has dipped well below 70 degrees
Don't hate me
which made it a perfect day for a the picture show
so we seized the opportunity
and chose
Armored with Matt "ha cha cha" Dillon
Even as a creep he's dreamy
but sadly,
I give the movie a miss
it's kinda slow
until it isn't anymore
and then its over
just
like
that
I say if you only have $9 in your pocket
hold out for Sherlock Holmes
because really
Robert Downey Jr AND Jude Law
my oh my
who cares about the premise
or
the plot
or
the ending
when RDj steps on screen
just sit back and let it happen, baby
but i digress
we went to the movie, which means popcorn, which means a light supper
so i made a spicy, spicy vegetable stew for me
and added a chicken breast for hubster
comfort food
that doesn't require stretch pants
olive oil
1 large potato--peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper--julienne (you can use roasted peppers if you have in cupboard)
2 ribs celery--cut in large pieces
2 medium carrots--cut in large pieces
1 large eggplant--cut in chunks
1 small can diced tomatoes
handful kalamata olives--pitted
handful green olives with pimento (optional)
basically any kind of olive that isn't the kind you put on your finger tips
2-3 Tbs capers
4-6 dried chiles
pinch hot pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups red wine
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/4 tsp or more cayenne pepper
2 Tbs tomato paste
equal amounts fresh chopped parsley and mint (about 2T each)
Heat dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. When hot add potatoes, red pepper, celery, eggplant, and carrots. Cook stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, but not brown--about 5 or 7 minutes. Add tomatoes, olives, capers and hot chilies and let cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, wine and chili flakes. Place top on either let cook on stove top (which means you have to check and stir frequently) or pop into a 350 oven and let simmer away for about 45 minutes to an hour. If you are making on a stove top the time will be shorter.
Remove top and place on top of stove (if using oven). Allow to simmer and add tomato paste, parsley and mint
let cook for a few minutes to get to your desired thickness--i like it a bit soupy
add cayenne, salt and pepper to taste
Eat Up!