Quick and Easy Veggie Soup

I had to be out for a bit this morning so when I got home feeling really hungry for lunch I needed something fast and easy, but healthy! So, with what I had in the pantry I put together a veggie soup that only needed to simmer for about an hour before I could eat. It is loaded with goodness and will actually last me a few days. The first preparation is the hardest, but still only took about 15 minutes total. Here is the recipe:

In a fairly large pot I put about 6 cups of water and 2 vegetarian bouillon cubes and turned the heat to medium. Next, I started to do some chopping:

2 medium size carrots(scrubbed, rinsed, chopped)

2 small potatoes(scrubbed, rinsed, chopped)great nutrients in the peel

2 stalks of “limpy” celery(perfect for soup), chopped

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 small bunch of leeks, chopped

2 cloves of garlic(I put garlic in EVERYTHING)

Add all the above to pot along with a couple of bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a slight boil for about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down a bit and simmer for about 30 minutes. I then added about 1/2 cup of leftover brown rice that I had in the fridge and some frozen veggies. Turn the heat back up to medium and cook until everything is cooked enough for your liking! You can add any frozen veggies, other fresh ones, left over pasta…..there are so many possibilities!! Enjoy with some warm bread or a yummy salad!!