Grandpa Marbut'S Vegetable Soup
A hearty vegetable soup featuring potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic, infused with bacon grease for rich flavor—perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the bacon grease over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add the chunked potatoes and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in the can of whole tomatoes and any additional canned vegetables if desired.
- Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup to thicken it.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as thyme or parsley. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if preferred. If you're looking for a heartier soup, add beans or lentils as a protein source. You can also adjust the thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry added.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of Make-Ahead Lettuce Salad (Makes 8 To 10 Servings) for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a Denver Sandwich Ring for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandpa Marbut'S Vegetable Soup contains roughly 974 calories, with 14g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 10g 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 use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peas, or celery. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Yes, this soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the bacon grease and using olive oil or vegetable oil instead. The soup remains flavorful and satisfying without it.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick.
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).