Summer Vegetable Soup

Summer Vegetable Soup

I made some vegetable soup the other day and it made me think of my Mother. Every summer as the gardens were producing beautiful veggies I would stop by her house and drop off much of what I had harvested. She would often use them to make a summer vegetable soup. She especially loved adding fresh green beans and I planted extra just for her soup. The recipe is far from exact. Use what you have and let the flavors simmer together. If you have some cooked meat around feel free to add that, too. Every batch was a little different but always wonderful. When I make this soup today I always think of her and am grateful for the cooking skills she passed on to me. Miss you, Mom.

Summer Vegetable Soup

oil

1 onion, chopped

2 qts. chicken or vegetable stock

6-8 cups mixed veggies, chopped

2 c. cubed cooked chicken, optional*

salt and pepper to taste

fresh herbs

Heat oil in soup pot and cook onion until tender. Add stock and veggies and simmer until veggies are tender, about 20 minutes. Add chicken or other meat, if using. Add a handful of fresh chopped herbs and simmer a few minutes longer.

Note: For a heartier soup you can also add 1/2 cup of raw rice with the veggies and simmer until the rice is tender.

* You can also add cooked beans like kidney or garbanzo beans for a vegetarian option.