Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      Tablespoons   Safflower oil
   1      Clove         garlic, minced
   1      medium        Green Bell Pepper, chopped
   1      Stalk         Celery, chopped
     1/4  cup           Onion, chopped
   1      medium        Carrot, shredded
          medium        Zucchini, shredded
  18      Ounces        Can Tomatoes with juice
  15      Ounces        Can Kidney Beans,drained
   8      Ounces        Can Tomato sauce (1 cup)
     1/4  Cup           Water
   1 1/2  Teaspoons     Chili powder, or to taste
     1/4  Teaspoon      Hot pepper Sauce, to taste
   1      Teaspoon      Basil
   1      Teaspoon      Oregano
     1/2  Teaspoon      Black Pepper

Preparation:

GARNISH: corn, chopped scallions, shredded Cheddar or Monterey jack cheese, or a combination, optional. In a Dutch oven or 4-5 qt saucepan, heat oil. Saute garlic, green pepper, celery, onion, carrot, and zucchini until crisp/tender, about 3 minutes. As mixture cooks, stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Top each serving with a garnish, if desired. If you wish, set under broiler to melt cheese. VARIATIONS: - add 1/2 cup whole raw cashews If reheating, add addt'l liquid, such as water, tomato juice, or veg sto