This is the perfect time of year to make lots of vegetable dishes. The farm stands and CSA allotments are abundant now, so take advantage of these beautiful vegetables and add them to your menu.

This easy to make soup is delicious for lunch or for a light dinner with a salad. Use any combination of vegetables that you like for this soup.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
6 scallions, chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 banana peppers (mild), chopped
4 small yellow summer squashes, chopped
2 cups fresh corn, about 2 cobs
1 cup sliced okra
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons salt
8 cups chicken broth (homemade recipe)
1 cup heavy cream
Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the garlic and next 8 ingredients. Cook, stirring until the vegetables are coated in oil and beginning to soften about five minutes. Add the broth and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes until the carrots and potatoes are tender. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the cream. Heat over low until hot. Do not boil.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with ¼ cup of cheese.

Posted by Jovina Coughlin in Cheese, Cream, Soup, vegetable