We are back in the kitchen today and as it attempting to rain outside, I thought a nice simple soup recipe might be in order. Now you can chop all the vegetables you want, and I certainly don't discourage that, but here in Texas where the weather is so wishy washy, I am giving you the simple off the shelf version. I do recommend using frozen veggies vs. canned as much as possible as that does give it a fresher picked yourself flavor! But, there again use what's available to you. This recipe was hard for me to put on paper as it is one I cook by a smidge of this, a smat of that, and the bottom of the bags of whatever is left in the freezer type of thing. So you will learn after cooking it a couple of times what you like to add a little more of.
So off we go to the kitchen to get started with recipe #1 in the soup series! Happy cooking and remember to wash those hands when handling food, especially raw meats! (Can't say that enough)
Tip: While your soup is simmering, take a dozen dinner rolls, or bread of your choice, spread the tops with butter, and then sprinkle garlic salt lightly over the tops. Bake as directed. Makes a wonderful final touch to this dish!
Barbara's Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
- • 1 lb = 93/7 Hamburger meat
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 tsp - Chopped Garlic (I use the pre-chopped kind)
• 1 - 32 oz. Bag Frozen mixed Vegetables
• 2 - 14.5 oz cans of chopped potatoes or 4 chopped medium fresh ones
• 2-Pkgs of McCormick's, or whatever brand you like, brown gravy mix.
Method
Sauté' your onions & garlic with about 2 tablespoons E.V.O.O. (extra virgin olive oil), over medium heat. Let them lightly bronze, but not get burnt on edges! Add your hamburger, salt to taste & health, and I add a little extra restaurant ground pepper to mine as it's worth the added kick- in the end. (No pun intended). Cook until meat is evenly browned. Drain if necessary. Add 6 cups water & your veggies! (If you use canned veggies, drain them or you will have to adjust this amount). Now boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes, so veggies are wonderful & tender, and flavors are melded nicely together. Then pull about ½ cup of your soup stock and about ½ cup water. Turn down your heat because you will be simmering at this point until you're done.
Now here's your option section: Use one package of gravy for a thinner soupier texture, or if you're like my bunch they prefer the two package heartier version! Mix the contents of the packet or packets with the stock/water liquid so there are no lumps, and then stir slowly into your soup! Simmer about 10 minutes and you are ready to serve!! Serves 4-6 (Depending how hungry the 4 are)
