Spicy Spinach Soup

12 oz. fresh cleaned spinach
1 Tbsp. olive oil (if preferred, cooking spray)
½ green bell pepper, diced
2 oz. diced onion
2 medium cloves garlic, diced
2 cups vegetable broth
4-5 seeded, blanched and peeled romas (substitute this ingredient and the next* with: 10 oz. can of RoTel diced tomato and green chiles, or other canned tomatos, including your own .. )
*1 -2 small seeded, diced jalapenos or 2 oz. of diced green chiles
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cheese for garnish

Drizzle skillet or medium saucepan with olive oil or cooking spray. Saute green pepper, onion and garlic. When onion is translucent, add tomatoes and vegetable broth, turning the heat down to a low-medium setting. Continue to stir ingredients for approximately 5 minutes; add salt and/or pepper if desired. Add spinach and briefly bring up the heat so as not to wilt the spinach. Serve immediately and garnish with cheese if desired.

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user GINGER_J.