by Tracy Deluca

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

Homemade soup is the greatest comfort food of all time, it is also a healthy alternative to the canned soups you can buy. The fresh ingredients and the ability to control the amount of salt you add make it much better for you than canned. I love serving soup on cold or rainy days and the smell of soup cooking makes my whole house happier.

Soups are great to use as a starter for any meal or to serve as a meal all by themselves. I usually serve soup and grilled cheese sandwiches whenever anyone in my house feels sick or depressed. It makes the whole family feel better.

My favorite soup recipe is for a spicy vegetable soup that is made with whatever I have on hand! The recipe changes every time I make it but here are the basics:

Chop a medium onion and add it and some minced garlic to a large stock/ soup pot with some oil or butter. Cook until the onion is beginning to soften and then add your vegetables; chopped or sliced or cubed carrots, potatoes, parsnips, green beans or anything else!

Softer vegetables need to be saved for later (such as zucchini or squash or tomatoes). Season with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you wish.

Cook the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add about 2 quarts (8 cups) of a vegetable stock (or chicken if you are not vegetarian). I don't precisely measure. I just put in enough to make a solid pot of soup.

Bring the stock to a boil and then reduce the heat. Add a can of chopped tomatoes with chiles and any softer vegetables that you would like to add. Stir well and taste. Season more as needed.

Cook on medium heat, covered, approximately 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Use an immersion blender (or remove some liquid to a regular blender) to puree some of the vegetables to increase the flavor of the soup and thicken it slightly. Only a couple of quick bursts are needed. You want most of the vegetables to still be whole.

Stir, taste and season more if needed. Remove from the heat and enjoy!

You can add lentils, rice, pasta or anything else you would like to as well! I usually try to cook my pasta and rice separate and allow everybody to add what they want to their personal bowls. But I have picky eaters!

You can freeze this soup very easily for later meals and it keeps in the refrigerator for about a week with no problems.

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