Grandmother Brown'S Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup brimming with fresh tomatoes, peppers, okra, and corn, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the corn and tomatoes separately until done.
- Mix the cooked corn and tomatoes together.
- In a separate pot, cook onions, green peppers, red sweet peppers, lima beans, okra, carrots, green peas, and hot pepper until tender.
- Combine the vegetable mixture with the corn and tomato mixture.
- Add salt and sugar to taste.
- Simmer the combined soup for 20 minutes, then seal in sterilized jars.
- When ready to serve, cook 4 or 5 potatoes and 2 onions until tender.
- Add a quart of canned soup and a pint of canned tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season as desired, adding bacon or fatback seasoning if preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the vegetable mixture. If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the number of hot pepper pods. You can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones if they're not in season, ensuring you still get the vibrant colors and nutrients. This soup can be made ahead and stored for later, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandmother Brown's Vegetable Soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Canned Pears for a refreshing dessert. For added richness, top the soup with crumbled bacon or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother Brown'S Vegetable Soup contains roughly 183 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 775mg per serving (34% 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 different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile, so feel free to substitute any of your favorite vegetables like zucchini or green beans. Just ensure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose to maintain their texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit any meat products like bacon or fatback. You can enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water when simmering the ingredients.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Additionally, it freezes well, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal even on busy days. Just reheat on the stove and enjoy!
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).