My eldest daughter had been craving a comforting bowl of homemade potato soup, but with an added twist of vegetables to brighten it up. Given that she had been under the weather and working tirelessly, I decided to create a special soup that would be both comforting and nutritious. This creamy vegetable soup turned out to be just what she needed, and I’m thrilled to share this delightful recipe with you. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for serving a crowd.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 30
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 stalks celery, chopped
- 6 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Water as needed
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon and Vegetables:
Begin by placing the chopped bacon, diced onion, and chopped celery into a large stock pot. Set the pot over medium heat and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crispy and the onions and celery are almost caramelized. This process will infuse the soup with a deep, savory flavor. -
Add Carrots and Cabbage:
Once the bacon and vegetables are ready, add the sliced carrots and chopped cabbage to the pot. Pour in enough water to just cover the vegetables. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the carrots are tender, which should take about 15 minutes. -
Incorporate the Potatoes and Spices:
With the carrots tender, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and garlic powder. Pour in additional water as needed to cover the potatoes. Allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked, which will take another 15-20 minutes. -
Add Evaporated Milk and Thicken:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the two cans of evaporated milk. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup back to a near-boil. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with just enough water to dissolve it completely. Slowly add this mixture to the pot while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The cornstarch will thicken the soup slightly; for a thicker consistency, simply add more cornstarch mixed with water. -
Final Adjustments:
Continue to stir the soup, ensuring the thickening agent is evenly distributed and doesn’t settle at the bottom of the pot. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the creamy vegetable soup into bowls and serve hot. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with toast, croutons, or crackers for a satisfying meal.
This creamy vegetable soup is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for large gatherings or simply to enjoy on a chilly day. It combines the richness of bacon with the freshness of vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful broth. Whether you’re serving it to a big crowd or making it for a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- Cholesterol: 16.9mg
- Sodium: 189.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.8g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Protein: 5.3g
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup with your loved ones. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. 😊🥣