straight from the kitchen of two Indiana university Slavic majors. rinse and chop all ingredients

heat oil in medium-large cooking pot on medium heat

heat onion until tender, add garlic for 3 min covered. keep garlic from touching pot surface.

mix rest of ingredients thoroughly in large bowl and add in large increments to cooking pot, adding seasonings and hot sauce to each addition and mixing well

heat until almost boiling, let simmer for 10-15 minutes covered

adding meat is optional, can be cooked separately to satisfy both vegetarians and meat eaters

sour cream, avocado, lettuce, cheese, or other toppings may be added on top of mix in tortilla