I had a real craving for a good, hearty vegetable soup last weekend...something that was easy, but would be filling and last all week for lunches. The last time I made vegetable soup I didn't add any barley or juices from the tomatoes. I played around with these things this time around and the result was incredible. For such a simple soup without any added salt, I couldn't believe how much flavor I got out of it.
I used Swanson's Natural Goodness Low Sodium Chicken Broth because it is what I had in, but vegetable broth would work as well. This recipe is my own.
1 28 oz can whole tomatoes, roughly chopped; I used Muir Glen Organic and really noticed a difference - I'm so glad my supermarket finally carries them! And I prefer buying whole tomatoes and chopping them myself - you are more likely to get higher quality tomatoes in a can when you buy whole vs chopped.
Add onions, carrots, and celery; saute 5-7 minutes.
Add tomatoes; saute 2 minutes.
Add potatoes, thyme, pepper, then add the broth and juices from the tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, slightly uncovered.
Add frozen veggies and barley. Let simmer 45 minutes or until the barley is tender.
I usually say that soups are good at first, but always better the next day. But with this one, I was impressed immediately. This recipe served 8.
Looks delicious and great pictures!