Healthy Vegetable Soup

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? (Isaiah 55:2 New Living Translation)

This scripture was a great reminder to me. Part of seeking balance is healthy eating. I love this nutrient packed soup recipe and because it makes a nice sized batch I can freeze and enjoy all winter. Last winter I put 6 quarts in the freezer and hope to do better this fall.

Healthy Vegetable Soup

• 1 pound of extra-lean hamburger
• ½ chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 quart of stewed tomatoes
• 1 ½ quarts of water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 6-ounce can tomato sauce
• 5 cups chopped raw vegetables: 
• (carrots, green beans, corn, 
• zucchini, yellow squash,
• red potatoes, peas, peppers)
• ½ teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• salt to taste

Sauté hamburger with onion and celery. Add remaining ingredients in a large soup pot or crock pot. Bring to boil to get it started then simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers the better the flavor (I like 6 hours). Makes 4 quarts and freezes well. 

Variations: use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Frozen or canned will work if you need them. Ground Turkey will also work if you prefer.