Make Your Own Soup

• Onion
• Protein or Dairy food
• Veggies
• Broth or base liquid
• Seasoning

Step 1: Chop a medium onion

Step 2: Choose 1 protein or dairy food

• 1 16-ounce can of beans (kidney, pinto, black, white, chickpeas, etc.)
• 1 pound ground or minced beef, chicken, ham, sausage, etc.
• 1 16-ounce can of beef, chicken, ham
• 1 cup of grated cheese

Step 3: Choose 1 or more fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables – 2 to 3 cups chopped

• Celery
• Green pepper
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Peas
• Corn
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage

Step 4: Choose 1 or more broth or base liquid – 4 cups

• 2 16-ounce cans of vegetable, chicken, or beef broth
• 4 cups of water and cubes vegetable, chicken, or beef bouillion
• 1 16-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes and to 3 cups of water
• 4 cups of milk and 4 cubes bouillion

Step 5: Choose 1 or more seasonings

• 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herbs (oregano, basil, cumin, chili powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, etc.)
• Bay leaf
• 2 to 4+ tablespoons fresh herbs
• 2 to 3 cloves minced garlic
• Sale and pepper to taste

Step 6: Directions

• Place a large pot over medium heat. Spray pan with cooking spray.
• Add onion and cook, stirring frequently until slightly browned. Add 1/4 cup of water to prevent sticking, if necessary.
• If using a meat as the protein, add to the onion and brown.
• If using cheese for the dairy in step 2, add during the last five minutes of cooking.
• Add remaining ingredients (except fresh herbs).
• Cover pot and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until meat is cooked and vegetables are tender.
• Add fresh herbs, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer another 5 minutes. Serve.