Yes, you can do it!

The words home-made soup conjure up images of hours and hours of gathering, washing, chopping and simmering. But honestly, a good, healthy, hearty soup can be made in 15 minutes or less. Good to know when you are cooking for one or two and don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Here’s how you do it:

Chop an onion, chop some garlic, and if you have them and are feeling it, chop a carrot, and some celery. Fry it all in oil or butter for a few minutes until soft.

Add a handful of frozen vegetables, such as corn, peas, carrots, spinach, even a combination if you like. You can use a handful of left over vegetables, a can of crushed tomatoes (for tomato soup) or even a can of beans if you like. Whatever you have on hand.

Add about 2 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable). Add salt and pepper and to taste - herbs if you like, if you have them. Cook until everything comes together no more than 5 minutes it should take. At this point if you want to add some protein, go ahead! Mushrooms, cooked chicken, beef, or fish. Yumm.

Now, if you want a smooth soup you can blend or puree with hand blender or mixer. If not, your soup is ready.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper

 Rewarm and serve.

Top your soup with any of the following ideas to make it interesting:

• Cream or milk for a creamed soup

• Chopped parsley or any fresh herbs

• Grated or crumbled cheese of your choice

• Croutons, crackers, toast

• Chili sauce or chili peppers if you like spicy

• Olive oil

• Splash of lemon juice

• Chopped avocado

• Dollop of sour cream

Enjoy!