simply tasty: vegetable soup

i used to buy canned soup thinking it was a good deal, until i realized how ridiculously cheap and easy soup is to make.  furthermore, it is really easy to make soup in big batches, which means that you can make it once, and have meals every day for a week.  i usually freeze several servings so that in the future i have a quick meal ready when i am too busy to make something homemade.

soup is especially delicious in the winter, and it is filled with nutrients.

vegetable soup

2 T olive oil

1 cup frozen peas

2 cups chopped broccoli

1 large onion, diced

1 large bell pepper (any color), diced

2 cups cabbage, shredded

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 cup cauliflower, chopped

32 oz box of chicken broth

1 T each salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder (more or less to taste)

2 t oregano

½ t each basil, thyme, crushed red pepper

several dashes of hot sauce, to taste

water

1 24oz can diced tomatoes

pour olive oil into the bottom of a large pot.  add all of the vegetables (except for the canned tomatoes).  add the chicken stock and spices.  add just enough water so that the water is level with the top of the vegetables.  bring to a boil over a high heat.  reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another hour. add tomatoes just before serving.  enjoy!

note: you can cook this more or less, depending on how soft or firm you like your veggies.  also, feel free to leave out a veggie or two, and/or add a veggie or two, depending on what you have around and what you like.

[this is especially delicious served with a grilled cheese or cold-cut sandwich. mmm....]