Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nostalgic dish that brings back memories of Grandma’s cooking. While it may not be exactly like her recipe, it comes close enough to evoke those cherished flavors and warmth. This soup is packed with a variety of vegetables, tender beef round steak, and a flavorful broth, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds (680 g) beef round steak, cut into ½-inch (1.3 cm) cubes
• 7 cups (1.6 L) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup (130 g) thinly sliced carrots
• 1 pound (455 g) frozen peas
• 1 pound (455 g) frozen corn
• 1 pound (455 g) frozen lima beans
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dill weed
• 1 can (28 ounces, or 785 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION:

1. In a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients, including the beef round steak, low-sodium beef broth, sliced carrots, frozen peas, frozen corn, frozen lima beans, bay leaf, dill weed, diced tomatoes, potato, chopped onion, basil, and pepper.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for approximately 4 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaf.

YIELD:

• 10 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 446 g water; 269 calories (11% from fat, 37% from protein, 52% from carb)
• 26 g protein; 3 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 1 g monounsaturated fat; 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 36 g carb; 8 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 336 mg phosphorus; 76 mg calcium; 5 mg iron; 317 mg sodium
• 1065 mg potassium; 3283 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 21 mg vitamin C; 39 mg cholesterol

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a classic dish that pays homage to the comforting and nourishing soups that our grandmothers used to make. While it may not be an exact replica of Grandma’s recipe, it captures the essence and flavors that make us reminisce about those cherished family meals.

This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients, including tender beef round steak, a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and lima beans, and a flavorful broth made with low-sodium beef broth and diced tomatoes. The combination of these ingredients creates a robust and satisfying soup that is both nutritious and delicious.

The slow cooker method used in this recipe ensures that the flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a rich and comforting soup. After approximately 4 hours of cooking on high heat, the vegetables become tender, and the beef round steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. The dill weed, basil, and pepper add a touch of herbal aroma and depth of flavor to the soup, making it even more inviting.

Nutritionally, Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup offers a balanced combination of macronutrients, with 37% of calories coming from protein, 52% from carbohydrates, and only 11% from fat. It is also a good source of fiber, providing 8 grams per serving, which supports digestive health and helps you feel satisfied. The soup is relatively low in sodium, thanks to the use of homemade low-sodium beef broth and no-salt-added diced tomatoes, making it a healthier option compared to canned soups.

With its generous serving size and wholesome ingredients, Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a meal on its own. However, you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. The soup is also versatile and can be customized to your taste. You can add additional vegetables, such as green beans or diced bell peppers, or adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.

So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the aroma of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup fill your kitchen. With each spoonful, you’ll be transported back to those cherished memories of family meals and Grandma’s comforting cooking. Enjoy the nourishment and nostalgia that this hearty soup brings to your table.