Hot Veggie Soup Recipe

Directions:

1. In a heavy pot, with at least a 5 quart capacity, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil until small piece of onion sizzles when dropped in. Add the onions, celery and carrots first letting them cook gently, stirring occasionally, while you slice the rest of the veggies and assemble the other ingredients. When everything else is sliced, measured and ready to go, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the rest of the vegetables and let cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir frequently; you don't want it to burn. Add the stock, it will not cover the veggies. It should come about halfway up the veggies in the pot, add more stock or water as needed. Bring to an easy boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover until veggies are tender. The potatoes will be starting to crumble and the carrots should be soft. Using either an immersion blender or traditional blender, puree the soup. If you like it chunkier, use a potato masher. If transferring to a blender, only fill the blender half full so you don't get a face full of hot soup. Once the soup is pureed and back in the pot at low or medium-low, add remainder of ingredients, tasting often to adjust seasonings to your taste. It is somewhat bland at the outset, and it needs the multiple layers of spices and herbs to round it out. This soup should have a little, spicy kick to it in the back of your mouth. Heat through to serving temperature.
2. Suggested variations:
3. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
4. 1 cup grated Swiss or Cheddar cheese added with the seasons
5. Sprinkle each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6. Omit parsley and top with crumbled cooked bacon.
7. From start to sitting down and eating took about 45 minutes. Using fresh herbs will increase the prep time.