On a rainy Saturday, it's nice to occupy oneself with making a savory but simple soup to warm the cockles and perhaps use up some things in the fridge. Here's an attempt to do just that.
Winter Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
3 c. beef broth + 1/2 c. water
1/2 c chopped onion
1 stalk celery with greens, chopped
1/2 c. chopped or diced carrots
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp fines herbes, 1/2 tsp ground mustard, 1/2 tsp ground garlic, salt & pepper to taste
1 c. chopped purple cabbage
1/2 c. frozen chopped spinach
1/3 c frozen green beans
1/3 c. soy protein crumbles or dried breadcrumbs
OPTION/VARIATION: 1/2 lb browned ground beef or ground turkey
Method:
Heat oil in 3-qt saucepan with heavy bottom on medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots and cook til slightly browned. Add herbs and spices, stir well to combine. Cook about 5 minutes before adding broth and water, stirring well.
Add chopped cabbage, spinach, beans, and crumbs/crumbles and cook for 20 minutes or until boiling for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce to simmer. May add meat after boiling and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve with corn muffins, crusty bread, or cheese crackers and tea.
Yield: abt. 5 servings
