Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup

Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This hearty soup is packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Vegetable soup has been a staple in many households for generations. This recipe has been passed down through families and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 liters) beef stock
2 liters
0.5 cup lima beans (60 ml)
1 cup carrots (diced) (250 ml)
0.5 cup potatoes (diced) (125 ml)
0.5 cup celery (chopped) (125 ml)
0.5 cup peas (125 ml)
0.5 cup corn (60 ml)
0.25 cup green beans (cut) (60 ml)
0.25 cup rutabagas (diced) (60 ml)
1 cup noodles (broken and cooked) (250 ml)
0.25 cup cabbage (shredded) (60 ml)
0.25 cup onions (chopped) (60 ml)
garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a soup kettle, combine beef stock and lima beans.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes or until the vegetables and noodles are tender.

Variations

Add in some cooked chicken or beef for a protein boost.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as broccoli or cauliflower.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables or seasonings that you prefer.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef stock instead of store-bought.

- This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh for convenience.

- Substitute any type of pasta for the noodles, such as macaroni or shells.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp white for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 30g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe may contain gluten from the noodles.

Summary

Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that is low in fat and calories. It is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe.

Summary

Old-fashioned Vegetable Soup is a classic recipe that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl on a chilly day for a warm and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for old-fashioned vegetable soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, spending my summers at my aunt's farm. My aunt was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I spent hours in her kitchen watching her cook and learning from her.

One hot summer day, my aunt announced that she was going to make her famous vegetable soup for dinner. I watched intently as she chopped up carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and tossed them into a big pot with some water and a few seasonings. The smell that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As we sat down to dinner that night, I took my first spoonful of the vegetable soup and was instantly hooked. It was the perfect blend of flavors, with each vegetable adding its own unique taste to the dish. I begged my aunt to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged.

Over the years, I continued to make my aunt's vegetable soup, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added in some fresh herbs from my garden, and sometimes threw in some beans or pasta to make it heartier. Each time I made the soup, it brought back memories of those long summer days spent at my aunt's farm, learning from her and soaking up her wisdom in the kitchen.

But it wasn't just my aunt who contributed to my recipe for old-fashioned vegetable soup. I also learned a thing or two from my own mother, who had her own version of the dish. My mother's vegetable soup was a bit simpler, with just a few basic ingredients and a rich tomato broth. I loved the way the flavors melded together in her soup, and I incorporated some of her techniques into my own recipe.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I continued to make my aunt's and mother's vegetable soups, passing down the recipes to my own children. They would watch me in the kitchen, just as I had watched my aunt and mother, and I could see the same excitement and curiosity in their eyes that I once had.

But it wasn't just my family who benefited from my knowledge of vegetable soup. I also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who would often ask me for the secret to my delicious soup. I would gladly hand out copies of the recipe, knowing that they would enjoy it just as much as I did.

And so, my recipe for old-fashioned vegetable soup has become a treasured family heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next. It's a dish that brings back memories of lazy summer days, family gatherings, and the simple joy of a homemade meal. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the love and warmth that went into creating it, and the people who taught me how to make it just right.