Country Vegetable Soup
A hearty country vegetable soup packed with potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and corn, simmered in savory beef stock, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 2 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 small onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn or 12 oz. can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 4 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart microproof casserole, combine all ingredients except parsley.
- Cover and cook on High (maximum power) for 20 minutes.
- Stir the soup, then cook on Low (simmer) for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes, then discard the bay leaf.
- Divide chopped parsley into individual serving dishes.
- Ladle hot soup over the parsley and serve immediately with crackers or hard rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding other vegetables like green beans or peas. You can substitute chicken stock for a lighter flavor or use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also enhance the taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes after cooking to add creaminess. This recipe pairs beautifully with Cowboy Cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Country Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley to add color and flavor. It goes well with crusty bread, crackers, or hard rolls for dipping. Consider a side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, pair it with a hearty dish like Poor Boy Stroganoff or Sassy Zucchini for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or stock to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Vegetable Soup contains roughly 808 calories, with 22g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (302% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1559mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
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 this soup vegetarian by substituting beef stock with vegetable stock. You may also want to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat to the soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to add spice to their own bowl.
What should I do if I don't have beef stock?
If you don't have beef stock, chicken stock or vegetable stock can be used as a substitute. Each will lend a different flavor profile to the soup, but it will still be delicious. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning according to the stock's saltiness.
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).