Vegetable Soup.

Once upon a time I got the flu and this really sweet boy that I had just started dating made this soup for me so that I would get better and he could continue kissing me.

Yes, this is the same boy that I now live with.... I kept him around for his amazing apartment and really yummy soup recipe.

So, here's the thing.... not only does this soup take about 15 minutes to make, but it also keeps for days, can feed you for a week, and costs under $20.00 to make. Seriously....

vegetable soup for your soul... and your super cute wallet.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 28oz can of chopped tomatoes and juices
2 15oz cans sliced potatoes
2 15oz cans corn
2 15oz cans green beans and juices
2 15oz cans sliced carrots and juices
1 15oz can black beans
32oz beef broth or beef stock
1 tbsp "Better than Bouillon" beef bouillon
Salt and Pepper to taste

*note: I buy all low sodium ingredients.

Tools:
Large stock pot, dutch oven, or something that will hold enough soup for an army
A really good can opener

Method:
In a very large stock pot.... very large, this makes A LOT of soup.... heat canola oil and sauté chopped onion until golden brown. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (cooking garlic any more than a minute or so will cause it to burn and alter the flavor of the soup.) Using the "really good can opener" that I conveniently listed above, open all the cans.... all 11 of them. Pour all contents, including juices, of the chopped tomatoes, carrots, green beans into the pot. Drain the potatoes, corn and black beans and add them to the pot. Stir everything together. Add beef stock and bouillon. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy on the couch with your pups, or find a sick boy and serve piping hot with a good movie and a cuddle- he will think you are a goddess.

PS: This soup freezes well, too! Put one serving portions in tupperware in your freezer and you will be instantly ready to fight chilly nights and sore throats.