Bess' Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup featuring fresh corn, okra, and butter beans, complemented by tomato flavors and tender beef, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use fresh vegetables if possible for the best flavor.
- In a large pot, cook cubed beef until browned.
- Add diced fresh corn, okra, and butter beans to the beef.
- Pour in the can of tomato soup and canned tomatoes.
- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables like corn and okra. If you don’t have butter beans, you can substitute with green beans or peas. Browning the beef well enhances the soup's depth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with herbs like thyme or basil to elevate the taste, which is a common practice in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bess' Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside the Thick Vegetable Soup for a delightful soup night or as a starter for a hearty main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bess' Vegetable Soup contains roughly 241 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 52g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Bess' Vegetable Soup vegetarian by omitting the cubed beef and using vegetable broth instead of water. You might also want to add more protein-rich ingredients like lentils or chickpeas for a heartier texture.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat to your vegetable soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. Hot sauce can also be served on the side for those who like to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this vegetable soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).