Clean Out the Fridge Soup

What to do when the crisper fill up with various odds & ends like half a bag of broccoli, two carrots, a potato, parsley that is starting to look wilted and sad, etc.?  This happened at my house yesterday and I declared a Soup Night!

All you really need is whatever vegetables and/or beans (I used both) you have on hand and some broth.  Yes, it's that simple.  The following recipe lists the ingredients I happened to use last night:

1 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP butter

1/4c onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Russet potato - cubed

2c cauliflower florets

1c broccoli florets

1 can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

5c vegetable broth

1/4c Italian parsley, chopped

salt & pepper, to taste

1.  In a medium pot, over medium heat, combine oil and butter.  Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until softened; about 5 minutes.

2.  Add the garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes.

3.  Add remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer 20-30 minutes over low heat, until potatoes and cauliflower are tender.  Stir in the parsley, adjust the seasoning and serve.