Hearty V8 Vegetable Medley Soup
This hearty V8 Vegetable Medley Soup is a family favorite that warms the soul and nourishes the body. My mom has been making this delightful soup for years, and its comforting aroma fills the house with the promise of a nutritious meal. Loaded with vibrant vegetables and rich in vitamins, this soup is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your individual preferences. Ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or your favorite crackers, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Vegetable juice
46 ounces (canned)
Mixed vegetables
2 (14 ounce) cans (halfway drained)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (undrained)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the stewing beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Drain excess fat from the pot, then return it to the heat.
4
Stir in the vegetable juice, mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes, mixing well.
5
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
6
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped parsley for added freshness.
7
Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. If using mixed vegetables with root vegetables, adjust cooking time as necessary.
8
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a fulfilling meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty V8 Vegetable Medley Soup?
It is a comforting and nutritious soup made with vegetable juice, mixed vegetables, and stewing beef, often described as a family favorite for chilly evenings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of stewing beef, onion, garlic, 46 ounces of vegetable juice, canned mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes.
How long should I brown the stewing beef?
You should brown the beef in a large stockpot for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
Do I need to drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, it is recommended to drain the excess fat from the pot after browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
How should the mixed vegetables be prepared?
The canned mixed vegetables should be halfway drained before being added to the soup.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, the diced tomatoes should be added to the soup undrained to include their juices.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
Can I use root vegetables in this soup?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure root vegetables become fully tender.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served hot, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite crackers.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal loaded with vibrant vegetables and rich in vitamins.
Can I customize the ingredients in this soup?
Absolutely, the recipe is highly versatile and allows you to customize the vegetable selection or seasonings to suit your preferences.
What type of vegetable juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 46 ounces of canned vegetable juice, such as V8.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
When should I add the parsley?
Chopped parsley should be added for freshness when you season the soup with salt and pepper.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one medium onion, chopped.
Is this a good recipe for when you are feeling sick?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a nourishing choice for when you are feeling under the weather.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the stewing beef and using a plant-based oil to sauté the vegetables.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include soup, vegetable, healthy, comfort food, nutritious, and winter recipes.
How do I know when the soup is finished cooking?
The soup is ready when it has simmered for 15-20 minutes and the vegetables are tender to the touch.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy and simple recipe to follow.
How should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion with the garlic until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh diced tomatoes, though canned tomatoes provide extra liquid and convenience for this medley.
What size canned mixed vegetables are used?
The recipe uses two 14-ounce cans of mixed vegetables.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Salt and pepper should be added according to your individual taste preferences.
What is the source of this recipe?
This is described as a family recipe that the author's mom has been making for years.
Is the beef cut into specific sizes?
The stewing beef should be cut into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Does the recipe require a specific cooking pot?
A large stockpot is recommended to accommodate the liquid and all the vegetables.
Can I use frozen mixed vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be used as a substitute for canned, though you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly.
What makes the soup aromatic?
The combination of sautéed onion, garlic, and simmered vegetable juice creates a comforting and delightful aroma.