Patrick’s Vegetable Soup

I enjoy cooking.  I am thankful that I have a husband who also enjoys cooking.
We have fun making meals together, and now that Aiden is getting older,
he’s starting to help out, too.

Today I want to share with you Patrick’s vegetable soup.
It can be vegan friendly if you choose vegetable stock instead of chicken stock!

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
2-3 celery hearts, chopped (can also use 1-2 celery stalks)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 can (14 oz.)  petite diced tomatoes
3 cans (about 5.5 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup water ((can also use 6 cups stock- a lrg box or a reg. box & a half)
2 dried bay leaves
1/2 cup pasta (we used elbow macaroni; could use any short cut pasta or tiny pasta stars)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen green beans
salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and celery.  Cook until tender (about 10 min.)
3. Just before the onions and celery are tender (at about 7 min), add the garlic.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in carrots and potatoes.  Toss to coat.
6. Add diced tomatoes, chicken (or vegetable) broth, and bay leaves.
7. Season again with salt and pepper.
8. Bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes and carrots are tender (about 20-30 min)
10. Stir in pasta, peas, corn, and green beans.  Simmer for 5 minutes.  (Do not overcook the pasta.)
11. Double check your seasoning.  Add more salt & pepper if needed.  Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Variations:  Add any combination of your favorite vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)!

Shopping Tip:  Using chicken broth from a can is less expensive than chicken broth in a box, and it tastes the same.

You must try this delicious, healthful soup!

Let me know how it turns out!

I’m linking this post with

because I love that I have such an awesome husband! In this la la land, I love the quality family time we spend in the kitchen.

Also linking up with Funky Junk Interiors,  Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Family Ever After, and Nap Time Creations.

What things do you love?