Hearty Seven Vegetable Soup
When youโre craving a nourishing, flavorful soup that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds, look no further than this Hearty Seven Vegetable Soup. This recipe, inspired by the Land Of Lakes Soup & Bread collection, is a testament to the magic of slow-cooked goodness, combining a medley of vegetables into a comforting bowl of wholesome delight. With a robust blend of vegetable broth, chicken broth, and a hint of cheddar cheese, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup frozen creamed spinach, thawed
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 10 cups
Instructions:
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Prepare the Soup Base: In a large slow cooker, combine the vegetable broth, chicken broth, and water. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and chopped celery. Stir in the bay leaves, salt, dried basil leaves, and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the low heat setting. Allow the soup to cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. This slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty base for your soup.
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Incorporate Spinach: Once the soup has cooked and the vegetables are tender, increase the heat setting to high. Stir in the thawed creamed spinach, making sure to mix it thoroughly into the soup. Continue to cook on high, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly, which should take about 6 to 10 minutes.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl to add a deliciously creamy finish.
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Enjoy: This soup pairs wonderfully with cornbread and a side of sweet potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfection:
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Cooking on the Stove: If you prefer to use a stovetop method, you can adapt this recipe by using a large 8-quart pot. Follow the same ingredient instructions, and cook on medium-low heat for 7 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach and cheese towards the end of the cooking time as described above.
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Cheese Variation: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese or adjust the amount based on your preference. A bit of grated Parmesan or a spicy cheese blend can add an extra layer of flavor.
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Vegetable Variations: Customize your soup by adding other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini can be excellent additions.
This Hearty Seven Vegetable Soup is not only rich in flavors and textures but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Whether youโre serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a quiet bowl on a chilly day, this recipe promises satisfaction and warmth in every spoonful. Enjoy the comforting embrace of this delightful soup and let it be a staple in your culinary repertoire! ๐ฒ๐ง๐ฅ
