Dice pepper and onion. Mince garlic. Saute vegetables in hot oil over medium-high heat on the stove in a large soup pot.
Add the spices to your pan to "open" them up with the heat for about a minute. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes or dump in the crock pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until you are ready to eat. I use a crockpot and usually start my bread right after I put everything in to simmer.
I also double the recipe and then have it on baked potatoes the next night or for lunch during the day. It is so healthy and hearty.