We started out with a bang! The first full week of October was really nice, for SE Alaska, great fall days and just the right amount of crispness in the air. But now we’re back to rain, and every day’s forecast for the coming week has a little rain cloud and raindrops to remind me to wear my coat with a hood and bring my umbrella to work.
So soup sounds good, and as we’re still in harvest season, I think of big pots chock full of garden veggies. But I don’t have a garden, so I have to improvise a bit. I make this soup from a combination of fresh, frozen, and canned ingredients. You can use your favorite veggies and in amounts to your preference. Add pasta if you like, or you can even add beef or chicken. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for the perfect comfort meal on a chilly rainy October day.
Vegetable Soup
~3 cans of petite diced tomatoes
~frozen green beans, corn, green peas, baby Lima beans, one box each
~3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
~1 medium onion, diced
~2 stalks celery, finely chopped
~2-3 carrots, sliced, or an equal amount of baby carrots, sliced
~2 cans of beef or chicken broth
~salt and pepper to taste
~tomato sauce and/or water to bring the ingredients to a soup consistency.
Put all ingredients together into a large stock pot. Let the soup simmer for an hour or longer to combine and develop flavor. Adjust seasonings. Add pasta and bite-sized pieces of beef or chicken, if desired. Simmer to incorporate flavors of the pasta and/or meat. This is also a perfect soup to prepare in a crock pot. Perfect for an end of day satisfying meal that is ready when you are!
Serve with sandwiches, fresh crusty bread, or, if you’re in the South, with cornbread (almost said “homemade” cornbread, but really, is there any other kind?!).
Makes many servings, and reheats well. Enjoy for dinner and for multiple lunches during the week.
Happy Fall!
Grace and Life 
Sounds good! Wish I had seen this a couple of days ago when I tried to make my first soup ever. It turned out okay, but I will definitely keep this one in mind next time I attempt. Thanks!
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Oh, soup is a great beginner food if you’re just learning to cook! And this soup is so easily adjusted to personal taste…it’s easy, flexible, hearty! Just right for an October night!
So glad you stopped by and commented! Sheila
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Soup …. mmmm nom nom. My most favorite “go-to” dish š MJ
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Yep! Love anything that represents comfort! I’ve got a great pumpkin soup recipe I’ll have to share soon…tis the season!
Thanks. ~ Sheila
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I like your line about cornbread. And I am SO glad I found your post today. I watched my boss eat cold veggie soup today and it turned me off of soup. You brought back the good feelings I associate with this comfort food. Thanks!!!!
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Hey, thanks for reading and commenting! Glad the post took you to a good place. I love all things that speak of comfort: physical, emotional, spiritual, and surely soup is near the top of the list!
Come again, and I’ll be sure to stop by your site too. Sheila
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Soup is a treat comfort food, and we all need some comfort. Thanks for the recipe.
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You’re welcome, hope you enjoy! The best thing about this type of recipe is that you can tweak it to your own taste!
Ok, with a name like Prairiewisdom, I’ll have to visit your site. See you soon! Sheila
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Love soup in Kentucky too…Leaves are starting to change colors and going to an Autumn Festival in Glendale Ky this Saturday…What a nice time of year!
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Fun! I love fall festivals and the colors of the season. The leaves are in fine form here in SE Alaska, beautiful reds and oranges. Makes me want to bake and be in the kitchen!
Thanks for stopping by! Sheila
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