Delicious Tomato Veggie Soup Recipe for Comforting Nights
Greetings, foodies and cooking enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite southern-style soup recipe – the Southern Tomato Veggie Soup. This homestyle vegetable soup is hearty, flavorful, and chock-full of fresh essential ingredients that scream Southern charm with every single spoonful.
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I’ve always been drawn to dishes that capture the essence of Southern hospitality – warmth, comfort, and heartiness. And that’s what this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe is all about. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that uses simple ingredients found in any pantry or grocery store.
So why not take a break from your usual humdrum vegetable soup recipe and dive into this soulful staple? It’s perfect for those chilly days or simply when you need something nourishing and heartwarming. Trust me; this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup will become an absolute favorite at your dinner table.
Are you ready to make the best southern living vegetable soup out there? Then let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that you’re going to absolutely love this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe. Here’s why:
Firstly, with a combination of fresh corn kernels, green beans, white potatoes and other vegetables, this soup is packed with nutrients and vitamins that will make you feel nourished and energized. Whether you’re looking for something delicious to warm you up on a chilly day or want to invigorate your taste buds with a burst of flavor, this soup recipe is exactly what you need.
Secondly, the rich and savory flavors of the tomato sauce and chicken broth meld together perfectly with the other ingredients to produce a soup unlike any other. The addition of fresh basil adds a touch of freshness and elevates the recipe to restaurant-quality status.
Thirdly, the versatility of the recipe makes it an absolute winner. You can easily modify the recipe by swapping out some of the vegetables for your personal favorites or using beef broth instead of chicken. This makes it perfect for those who like to play around with recipes and create something unique every time they cook.
Finally, making this dish is super easy! This vegetable soup recipe only requires a few basic ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Follow my step by step instructions and you won’t believe how simple it is to make!
In conclusion, why wouldn’t you love this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe? It’s easy, delicious, versatile and packed full of nutritious goodness – now that’s something we can all get behind!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to get started on this savory dish. You may find some of these items already in your kitchen. So, skim through the list before hopping off to the store:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 medium white potato, peeled and diced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (16 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (16 ounces) green beans, drained
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Optional ingredients that add more flavors to the soup are:
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
Note: You may use fresh or frozen veggies on this recipe.
With all these ingredients in your kitchen, we can create a perfect vegetable soup with a southern twist!
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. With a large stockpot over medium heat, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wait for it to heat up. Once heated, add in 1 cup of chopped onions, 1 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped celery. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes until they become tender.
Next, add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and let them cook for an additional minute. After that, throw in 1 can of tomato sauce (8 ounces), 1 can of diced tomatoes (16 ounces), and 3 cups of chicken broth before mixing everything together. Add in additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Now it’s time to add in the main vegetables. Pour in 4 cups of fresh green beans (trimmed) and stir everything well before adding in 4 fresh corn kernels cut off the cob. Don’t forget about the potatoes! Peel and cube four medium-sized white potatoes and throw them into the pot as well.
At this point, you’re almost done! Bring the mixture to a boil then lower it down to a simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through and the potatoes are soft.
After that, add in one can of drained red kidney beans (15 ounces) to give it a bit more texture. Finally, mix in some fresh basil leaves before finally serving with some crusty bread on the side.
There you have it – a delicious bowl of homemade Southern Tomato Veggie Soup that is perfect for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
This soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken or pork for a leaner option. You can also add shredded cooked chicken or diced ham for a heartier bite. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables or switch them up based on your preferences. Try adding some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, squash or kale to make this an even more vegetable-packed soup. You can also use canned corn and green beans if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.
– Spiciness: If you like your food spicy, try adding some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give this soup a little kick.
– Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup entirely vegetarian. Alternatively, if you want a heartier soup, swap the broth for beef broth.
Overall, this recipe is very flexible and can be adapted easily to fit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices – that’s what makes cooking so fun!
Serving and Pairing
As a Southern delicacy, this tomato veggie soup is best served with some crusty bread or cornbread muffins. The soft, fluffy texture of the bread complements the rich and chunky consistency of the soup. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra touch of flavour.
This hearty soup is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. For a light and fresh option, serve it alongside a crisp salad dressed in vinaigrette. You can also pair it with Southern classics such as green beans, fried okra, or collard greens for a traditional meal.
For an indulgent twist, try pairing this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. The warm, gooey melted cheese complements the tangy tomato-based broth perfectly.
This tomato veggie soup is perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. So grab your favourite sides and get ready to enjoy a taste of the South!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made a batch of this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup, you’ll be happy to know it can be easily stored and reheated for later meals. In fact, making this soup ahead of time can enhance the flavors and give it time to meld together.
To store your soup, be sure to let it cool down first. Then, transfer it into an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. This can be done for up to 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating the soup, two options are available: microwave or stovetop. Both methods work well, but if you are short on time, the microwave may be faster. Simply transfer the desired amount of soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in one-minute increments until heated through thoroughly.
On the other hand, if you prefer using a stove, pour the soup from the container into a pot over medium heat until warmed through while stirring occasionally.
A great tip for reheating is to add additional broth or water as needed since soups and stews tend to thicken when refrigerated. This will help prevent any potentially over-thickened soup.
To top it all off, this soup recipe taste even better on day two or day three when all of those herbs and spices have had time to develop even further. So, whip up a big batch this weekend and enjoy deliciously warm bowls of Southern Tomato Veggie Soup throughout the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Southern Tomato Veggie Soup comes out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure that you don’t overcook the veggies. You want them to be tender, but not mushy. To achieve this, try cooking them for shorter periods of time and on lower heat settings.
Another tip for perfect results is to taste and adjust seasoning as you go along. Adding a pinch of salt or pepper at various stages will elevate the flavors of the vegetables, potatoes and chicken broth.
Furthermore, for those who like spicy tomato soups, opt to include some V8 juice or hot sauce. It will give your soup an extra kick of flavor that cannot be resisted by anyone who likes it hot and tangy.
A crucial tip for making the best southern vegetable soup is to pair it with a crusty bread or cornbread on the side. The bread’s crunchy texture balances out the smoothness of the soup and complements its flavors mighty well.
Lastly, if you’re short on time or want an even heartier meal, add some cooked ground beef or ground turkey while preparing the soup. This will take this vegetarian soup recipe to another level since it will help in enhancing its flavor without compromising on its nutritional value.
Take these tips into consideration when making this delightful Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe and enjoy a rich bowl of warmth in every spoonful!
FAQ
Before we conclude this article, I would like to address some frequently asked questions about the Southern Tomato Veggie Soup Recipe. These common queries will help you troubleshoot any potential problems, give you a better understanding of the recipe, and inspire you to experiment with your own variations.
How do you make bad tomato soup taste better?
One crucial step for enhancing the flavor of your savory dishes is by adding aromatics. Aromatic ingredients like garlic are ideal for this purpose as they are efficient in adding a burst of flavor. Chopping garlic is easy, and it’s quite affordable too. However, to optimize its flavor impact, it’s advisable to saute the garlic in oil before adding your soup to the pot. This will bring out the best of the garlic and deliver a scrumptious flavor to your dish.
Why do you put baking soda in tomato soup?
If tomato soup, sauce, or chili comes off too sourly for your liking, consider sprinkling in baking soda. The baking soda will balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a less sharp taste. This will also allow you to stir in milk without the dreaded curdling effect.
How does Martha Stewart make vegetable soup?
Let’s start by heating some oil in a big stockpot using medium heat. Then, throw in either onions or leeks, along with some celery and Italian seasoning. Be sure to add some salt and pepper to taste.
Next, add some broth, tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and about three cups of water into the pot. Allow the mixture to reach boiling point.
Once it boils, introduce your choice of vegetables into the pot and let it simmer.
How do you get the tomato taste out of vegetable soup?
Adding a touch of sweetness to your stew can enhance its overall taste, especially when working with tomatoes. To achieve this, consider incorporating a small amount of raw sugar, agave syrup, or natural honey. Another option is to mix in sweet ingredients such as apples with a mild flavor, shredded carrots, or caramelized onions, and let them blend into the stew as it simmers. Doing so can help bring out the dish’s richness and depth of flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe can be a lifesaver on busy days or a comfort food when you need a bowl of warm goodness to make you feel better. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with various ingredients and spices to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s a healthy option with plenty of fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs.
Don’t settle for store-bought cans of soup where the ingredients are questionable. Instead, make your own homemade vegetable soup with fresh produce that even your grandmother would be proud of. With just a little effort, you can make an authentic southern-style soup that will impress your friends and satisfy your appetite.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s both healthy and easy to prepare, give this Southern Tomato Veggie Soup recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed, trust me!
Southern Tomato Veggie Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 74 ounces canned tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 medium vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrot, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 lbs stew meat (or cubed top sirloin steak)
- 3 lbs white potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh green beans (or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, combine the tomatoes,broth, tomato sauce, onion, celery, carrot, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add meat and cook until browned. Add to tomato mixture and simmer until meat is tender, approximately 1 hour. Add potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Add green beans and corn and simmer another 5-6 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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