This is a simplified version of my Mum’s wonderful ‘veggie’ soup that she used to make with lamb and veggies.
This purely veggie soup is just as good and I love it because every time I make it, I use slightly different vegetables but it always ends up being so comforting and lovely.
Veggie Soup
Ingredients
- 250 g soup mix
- 3 carrots diced
- 1/2 bunch celery diced
- 1 large bulb fennel trimmed & diced
- 1 can tomatoes 400g / 14oz
- 2 onions diced
Instructions
- Place soup mix, carrot, fennel, celery, tomato, onions and 1L (4 cups) water in a slow cooker or large saucepan.
- For the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 11-12 hours or until the veg are all tender.
- For the stove top, cover the pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 4-6 hours or until the veg are all tender.
- Taste & season, adding a little more water if it looks too thick.
Variations
carnivore – either use chicken or meat stock instead of the water or add ina few soup bones to simmer with the veg.
gluten-free – skip the soup mix (barley contains gluten) and replace with lentils or split peas or a mixture of both.
carb lovers / more substantial – serve with crusty bread.
paleo (gluten, grain + dairy-free) – replace ‘soup mix’ with extra veg.
more veg – add any diced root veg. Stir through shredded kale or baby spinach at the end.
Problem Solving Guide
can’t find soup mix? – no problem. Just substitute in either a mixture of pearl barley, split peas, and lentils. Or use one of those.
no fennel?– replace with another vegetable. More onions would be lovely or maybe try parsnip, swede or turnip.
too thick- this makes quite a hearty thick soup. If you prefer something more soupy and less stewy add in a little water.
texture gluey– if the barley gets really overcooked it tends to release starches in the soup with can make it go a little ‘gluey’. Not the end of the world, but also not the nicest thing to have happen to your soup. Next time cut back on the cooking time.
grains / lentils chewy -this mean the soup mix ingredients haven’t had a chance to cook properly. Add a litle more water and keep simmering until tender.
bland – it’s really important to be generous with the seasoning for this soup. A little soy sauce may help as would a little tomato paste.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
soup mix / can tomatoes – keep it in the pantry.
carrots – keep in a plastic bag in the fridge for weeks. can be frozen if you’re leaving town!
celery – keep in a plastic bag in the fridge for weeks.
fennel – will keep for a few weeks in a plastic bag in the fridge.
onion – will keep in the pantry for months. Best if in a dark corner in a brown paper bag.
Prepare Ahead?
Absolutely! Like all slow cooked dishes, this will improve with a little time sitting in the fridge.
Leftover Potential
Great! Will keep in the fridge for a week or more.
Serving Suggestions
Great in big bowls with lashings of black pepper.
A little crusty bread and butter makes a nice accompaniment.
_________________________
back to: Simple Slow Cooking Overview
Add to my Old Favourite Recipes