Vegetarian Vegetable Soup

I've had a special challenge the last week as my hubby has gone on a vegetable and fruit only diet.  No salt, no oil or fats.  So I made this soup for him without added oil or salt.  Much to my amazment, it was really good and full of flavor. If you want something really tasty and healthy, this is the soup for you.

Look at all those vegetables in one little bite!

Vegetarian Vegetable Soup

1 leek chopped, white and light green parts only

¼ cup onion, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 cup zucchini, chopped

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth

2 cans low sodium chopped tomatoes

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can Rotel tomatoes

½ cup frozen green beans, thawed

½ cup frozen green peas, thawed

½ cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning

¾ teaspoon dried thyme

In large stockpot add ½ cup water and cook leak and onion over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.  Then add in celery and carrots.  Cook for additional five minutes; if pan starts to get dry add a little more water.  Deglaze pot by adding in the vegetable stock, stirring and releasing the flavor from the bottom of the pot.  Continue to add remaining ingredients, tomatoes, beans, Rotel tomatoes, green beans, green peas, corn, lemon juice, Tony Chachere’s seasoning, and thyme.  Heat until boiling then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. 

Happy Eating!