Nothing is as comforting as soup. It can warm chilly bones and soothe a soul. Soup can be clear or creamy, light or rich. It can have meat or be vegetarian. Any way you make it, homemade soup is the best. Like many people, I grew up eating canned soup. And although I still like a canned tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, I’ve found that when I make soups homemade, the texture is better, the flavors marry better, and I don’t end up feeling like I’ve been stuffed with preservatives.
Here’s my recipe for a simple but delicious Vegetable Soup:
Ingredients:
2 TB butter
2 tsp. olive oil
1 red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, chopped finely
1 ½ cups carrots, chopped to desired size
5 stalks celery diced
2 yellow potatoes, diced to desired size
1 cob of corn removed from the cob
2 cups fresh green beans, chopped
1 can (15oz) stewed Italian tomatoes
1 TB Kosher salt
1tsp black pepper
3 regular cans of chicken broth (or homemade stock if you have it)
2TB fresh parsley
To Make:
In a large soup pot, melt the butter and olive oil.
Add garlic and onions and sauté three minutes.
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, corn and green beans and cook two minutes.
Add tomatoes, salt and pepper, and cook two minutes.
Add Chicken Broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 40 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Add parsley and remove from heat.
Allow to cool slightly before eating.
Serve with a slice of bread if desired.
*Try adding chopped zuccini and/or mushrooms for even more texture and flavor.
*Extra spices are delicious added to this soup. Try any of the following: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, allspice,
*If you’d like to try adding meat to this soup, chicken or beef work beautifully. You can substitute beef stock for chicken stock if you’d like.
*If you’re going totally vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.