Simple Vegetable Soup

Everyone needs a standard vegetable soup recipe, right?  Well, I didn't.  I have soups with vegetables in it, sure, but a simple carrots, green bean, peas & corn type soup that you have when you're not feeling great?  Nope.  Didn't have one.  This is one I came up with and fell in love with.  While I do make it when we're not feeling well, it's a great soup any night of the week!

Simple Vegetable Soup
serves 8-10

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 tsp minced garlic
• 3 cups diced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 4 cups small diced white sweet potato
• 2 cans diced tomatoes, with juice
• 8 cups broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups each, frozen: green beans, peas, corn
• 1 tsp each: thyme, basil, oregano
• opt: 2 cans beans (white and red are best), rinse and drain with an extra 2 cups broth
• opt: 8 oz chopped mushrooms
• salt and pepper to taste

-- Saute onion, garlic, celery and carrots 10 minutes

-- Add potatoes, tomatoes, broth and spices and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. (add mushrooms in this step if using)

-- Add frozen veggies (beans and broth if desired) and heat through. 

Crockpot: half recipe.  high for 4 hours.