V-8 Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup with tender pork, enriched with V-8 juice and mixed vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean pork and small onion in a skillet; drain excess grease.
- Combine the browned meat and onion with V-8 juice and frozen mixed vegetables in a pot.
- Add partially cooked diced potatoes if desired.
- Simmer until the soup reaches the desired thickness and flavors meld.
- Divide and serve hot, or freeze portions for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during simmering. If you want a heartier soup, you can incorporate partially cooked diced potatoes or even some canned beans for protein. For a lighter option, substitute the pork with turkey or chicken. You can also use low-sodium V-8 juice to control salt levels. This soup is versatile and can accommodate various vegetables based on your preference or what's in season.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Old South Salad, for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Ham Hodgepodge. This soup also makes for a great lunch option when reheated, maintaining its flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover V-8 Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of V-8 Vegetable Soup contains roughly 240 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and potassium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg per serving (80% 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 omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, to enhance the flavor and texture. Additionally, consider using lentils or chickpeas to maintain a protein element in your soup.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Simmer until the soup thickens to your liking.
What can I add for more flavor?
To enhance the flavor of your V-8 Vegetable Soup, consider adding spices such as cumin, paprika, or crushed red pepper for a little heat. Fresh garlic and a splash of Worcestershire sauce can also elevate the taste. Additionally, a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully.
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).