Dad'S Vegetable Soup(Canning)
A hearty, vegetable-rich soup with bold flavors from tomatoes, peppers, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family meals and those who enjoy wholesome, homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 qt. frozen tomatoes, thawed ⓘ
- 1 qt. bag green beans ⓘ
- 1 pt frozen or canned corn ⓘ
- 6 to 8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 6 to 8 carrots, sliced
- 8 to 10 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pt frozen or canned peas
- 1 or 2 large onions, diced
- 1 large or 2 small green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 or 3 sweet banana peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 or 2 wax peppers (red or yellow) ⓘ
- 1 (12 inch) unpeeled zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 1 (12 inch) unpeeled yellow squash, diced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large stockpot.
- If the soup is too thick, add more tomatoes or a large can of tomato juice (do not add water).
- Cook on high heat to bring to boiling point.
- Lower heat slightly and continue to cook until all vegetables are soft and flavors are blended, about 2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding beans or lentils for protein. You can substitute fresh vegetables if you have them on hand, like using fresh peas instead of frozen. Adjust the seasoning to taste; herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the flavor. If you're looking to make this recipe more vibrant, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot with crusty bread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or grilled cheese sandwiches. For an extra kick, top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This versatile soup is excellent for meal prep and can be made in large batches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for a quick option, ensuring it's heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Vegetable Soup(Canning) contains roughly 1807 calories, with 41g protein, 332g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (393% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (158% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of frozen. If using fresh, you may want to blanch and peel them first for a smoother texture. Adjust the quantity to about 10-12 medium-sized tomatoes to achieve a similar volume to 4 quarts of frozen tomatoes.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
This soup is already vegetarian-friendly, but to enhance its flavor, consider adding vegetable broth instead of water if you adjust the thickness. You can also incorporate more beans for protein, making it a hearty vegetarian meal.
What should I do if I have leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be a great base for other meals. Consider using it as a sauce over pasta or grain bowls, or blending it into a creamy soup by adding coconut milk or cream. You can also freeze portions for easy later meals.
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).