Basic Soup

[April B.]

Basic Soup

Serving: Yields: 25 cups


5 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch slices
3 medium celery stalks, sliced
3 large onions, chopped, or 3 medium leeks, each cut into 1-inch slices
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes in juice
1/2 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
12 ounces green beans, each cut into thirds
3 medium zucchini (6 oz. each), cut into 1-inch slices
2 packages (5 oz. each) baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 chicken-flavor bouillon cubes or envelopes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper


DIRECTIONS:

1. Coat 8-quart saucepot with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.

2. Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon. Add cauliflower, remaining ingredients, and 12 cups water. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until vegetables become tender. Add more salt and pepper if desired.

NOTE: To wash leeks, cut off roots and leaf ends. Discard any tough outer leaves. Cut each leek lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1-inch slices. Place leeks in large bowl of cold water; with hands, swish leeks around to remove any sand. Transfer leeks to colander. Repeat process, changing water several times, until all sand is removed. Drain well.

To retain freshness and nutrients: Keep a 2-day supply of Basic Soup in the refrigerator. Pack remaining soup in 3-cup portions in airtight containers, leaving some head space to allow for expansion. (If you expect to heat soup in microwave, use a microwave-safe container.) Freeze.

To reheat frozen soup: Microwave: Loosen lid on container. Heat on High (100 percent power) 8 to 12 minutes until bubbling, stirring twice. Top-of-stove: Place container under running cold water to loosen frozen soup from sides. Heat frozen soup in covered saucepan over very low heat about 3 minutes until soup begins to thaw. Increase heat to medium; heat about 15 minutes longer until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Note: If using frozen soup to prepare Super Soup, add ingredients during the last 5 minutes of heating. For microwave heating, use a container large enough to hold add-ins.


Calories: 40