Shoshanna's Hearty Vegetable Soup 🥕🍲

Warm up with Shoshanna's Hearty Vegetable Soup—perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting bowl of goodness! This recipe brings together a rainbow of fresh veggies along with hearty beef for a satisfying meal. It's versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it a great clean-out-the-fridge dish. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience! 🍞✨

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb beef (preferably roasted and cubed)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Mexican beef bouillon

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 cup green beans (trimmed)
• 2 medium carrots (sliced)
• 2 medium potatoes (diced)
• 1 medium zucchini (cubed)
• 1 medium yellow squash (cubed)
• 1 small sweet potato (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup frozen corn

Canned Goods

• 1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Seasoning

• 1 package dry Beef Stew seasoning

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine the water and Mexican beef bouillon. Stir until melted and simmer over medium heat.

💡 Adding the beef first allows for a deeper flavor profile as it releases its savory juices into the broth!

2. Add the Beef: Incorporate the roasted beef into the pot and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

3. Mix in Fresh Veggies: Gradually add the green beans, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potato, onion, and shredded cabbage. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🍅 For added flavor, you can sauté the onion separately in olive oil until golden brown before adding it to the soup.

4. Canned Goods Time: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, frozen corn, and the Beef Stew seasoning. Allow everything to simmer together for another 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add more beans or lentils for protein. 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the broth for a kick! 🌶️
• Herb-Infused: Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for an easy, simmered flavor all day long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot and enjoy with a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish! 🧀🥄