Dice, Spice and Everything Nice

Two evenings ago I made soup. I knew that I would be going away for the weekend [and I have been trying to not let my food go to waste] so I put everything that could possibly rot over the weekend in this pot and made the first ever (according to my Google search)

Dice, Spice and Everything Nice Soup

Here's How:

1. Make (or buy from Trader Joes like I did) mirepoix {the french name for the combination of onions carrots and celery}
2. Cook the mirepoix slowly over low heat in a large pot with olive oil
3. add garlic (I like a lot) 
4. add anything else that you have in your refrigerator that might not make it through the weekend/anything that you like a lot

I added:

• spinach
• kale (chopped)
• tomatoes
• carrots (more after the mirepoix)
• asparagus*
• broccoli*
• garbanzo beans
• black beans
• rice

Finish by topping the soup off with vegetable broth and seasoning to your liking. I think salt and pepper together are underrated (they should be used like make-up, to bring out the flavor, not take over the flavor). I also added some white wine, balsamic vinegar, and hot sauce. 

Bring the whole thing to a boil. Stir, then reduce to a simmer for a few minutes. 

*I sauteed the asparagus and broccoli with Earth Balance "butter" and salt and pepper before adding them to the soup. This gave them a very nice texture and flavor.

Since I made the soup, I have carried it with me all weekend. It has faithfully followed me through two evenings and two long car rides before finding a home in my parents refrigerator.

Now that's nice.