Basic Soup Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   DIRECTIONS:1.
2. 2
   Coat 8-qt saucepot with nonstick cooking spray.
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   Over medium-high heat, add in carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
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   Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 min.
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   2.
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   Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon.
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   Add in cauliflower, remaining ingredients, and 12 c. water.
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   Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.
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   3.
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    Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 min or possibly till vegetables become tender.
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    Add in more salt and pepper if you like.
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    NOTE: To wash leeks, cut off roots and leaf ends.
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    Throw away any tough outer leaves.
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    Cut each leek lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1-inch slices.
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    Place leeks in large bowl of cool water; with hands, swish leeks around to remove any sand.
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    Transfer leeks to colander.
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    Repeat process, changing water several times, till all sand is removed.
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    Drain well.
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    To retain freshness and nutrients: Keep a 2-day supply of Basic Soup in the refrigerator.
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    Pack remaining soup in 3-c. portions in airtight containers, leaving some head space to allow for expansion.
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    (If you expect to heat soup in microwave, use a microwave-safe container.)
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    Freeze.
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    To reheat frzn soup: Microwave: Loosen lid on container.
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    Heat on High (100 percent power) 8 to 12 min till bubbling, stirring twice.
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    Top-of-stove: Place container under running cool water to loosen frzn soup from sides.
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    Heat frzn soup in covered saucepan over very low heat about 3 min till soup begins to thaw.
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    Increase heat to medium; heat about 15 min longer till heated through, stirring occasionally.
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    Note: If using frzn soup to prepare Super Soup, add in ingredients during the last 5 min of heating.
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    For microwave heating, use a container large sufficient to hold add in-ins.