Winter Homemade Vegetable Soup
A hearty winter vegetable soup brimming with tender beef, green beans, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, seasoned with thyme and a touch of salt—perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the beef bone or stew meat with suet until nearly done.
- In a separate pot, heat the green beans, carrots, celery, and onion until warm.
- Add the warmed vegetables to the meat pot.
- Continue cooking until almost done, then add the cubed turnips, can of tomatoes, and thyme.
- Simmer on low heat for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the beef bone before cooking. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils. Canned green beans work well in a pinch, but fresh will enhance the texture. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth, and feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of Chili Grande for a comforting combo.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency, and heat on the stove over low until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Homemade Vegetable Soup contains roughly 148 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1859mg per serving (81% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient alternative. Just add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t become mushy. However, fresh vegetables will provide better texture and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. Alternatively, serve with a side of hot sauce for individuals to customize their bowls.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
For a more filling soup, you can add cooked barley, rice, or even small pasta shapes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will enhance the texture and make it more satisfying.
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).