Our Farmers Soup is a hearty dish that celebrates the flavors of fresh farm produce. We love how it fills our kitchen with comforting aromas and brings everyone together around the table. With its simple preparation and rustic charm it’s been a staple in country kitchens for generations.
We first discovered this dish on a trip through the countryside where locals shared their favorite ways to combine veggies and proteins in one pot. Each spoonful highlights the natural goodness of wholesome ingredients and reminds us of home and tradition.
Farmers Soup Recipe
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups peeled and chopped carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup cooked proteins (diced chicken or beans)
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley for garnish
Steps
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and stir until they soften and release a comforting aroma.
- Stir in the chopped carrots, diced potatoes and sliced celery. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Continue stirring for 5 minutes to give the veggies a light browning and enhance their rustic charm.
- Pour the vegetable stock into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes or until the fresh farm produce is fork-tender.
- Stir in the cooked proteins and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Ladle our Farmers Soup into bowls and sprinkle minced parsley on top for added color.
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
We rely on its thick base to distribute heat evenly so our Farmers Soup cooks at a gentle simmer.
- Sturdy Cutting Board
We use a spacious surface for safe and efficient chopping of potatoes and onions.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
We prefer a well-balanced blade to create uniform slices of carrots and celery.
- Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula
We stir the soup gently to incorporate flavors without damaging the pot’s surface.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
We measure the vegetable stock accurately to maintain perfect consistency.
- Ladle
We use a deep-bowled ladle to serve generous portions of this hearty soup.
Ingredients
We gather each item in the order we use them. We rely on farm-fresh produce for the best flavor. We measure and prep everything before we start cooking. Here is our concise list:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Onion | 1 large | Peeled and finely chopped |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Potatoes | 3 small | Peeled and cubed |
| Celery stalks | 2 | Sliced thin |
| Vegetable stock | 4 cups | Choose low-sodium for a lighter taste |
| Optional protein | 1 cup | Cooked chicken or beans |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust based on preference |
| Ground pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground for better aroma |
| Fresh parsley | Small handful | Chopped for garnish |
We place each ingredient in its own bowl. We peel onions and carrots to remove any bitterness. We chop everything into uniform pieces for even cooking. We include optional protein to add heartiness. We keep the parsley aside for sprinkling at the end.
Prep Steps
We organize all ingredients before turning on the heat. This approach keeps us focused and helps preserve the rustic charm of Farmers Soup.
Washing And Chopping Vegetables
We rinse our farm-fresh produce under cool water. We pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
We trim away bruised spots or tough stems. We keep our cuts consistent for even cooking.
We peel or scrub the carrots and potatoes. We slice the celery into manageable pieces.
Below is a quick guide to recommended chopping sizes:
| Vegetable | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Carrots | ¼-inch slices |
| Potatoes | ½-inch cubes |
| Celery | ¼-inch slices |
Preparing The Aromatics
We assemble onions and garlic on our sturdy cutting board. We remove peels and discard any rough layers. We mince or chop into small pieces. This size helps release full flavor and gives Farmers Soup its comforting aroma.
Cooking Steps
We gather our organized ingredients and move straight into cooking. We rely on simple steps that bring out the rustic flavors of our Farmers Soup.
Sautéing The Base
We warm our Dutch oven over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. We add onions and garlic and stir for about 5 minutes or until the onions turn soft. We then toss in chopped carrots and celery for extra depth. We stir gently to avoid sticking as these aromatics release their fragrant essence.
Adding Broth And Vegetables
We pour in our vegetable stock or chicken stock if we prefer a meatier taste. We scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the caramelized bits that add more flavor. We add chopped potatoes and any optional proteins such as cooked chicken or beans. We give everything a quick stir to help the ingredients blend.
| Cooking Stage | Approximate Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| Sautéing (Onions Carrots) | 5 |
| Simmering (With Vegetables) | 20 to 25 |
Simmering And Seasoning
We bring the soup to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low. We cover the pot and let our Farmers Soup simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. We season with salt and freshly ground pepper. We garnish with chopped parsley if we want a burst of color and herbaceous taste.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Preparing our Farmers Soup in advance helps us save time. We chop our carrots, onions, and potatoes the night before and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. We also measure seasonings and keep them in labeled small bowls for easy access. When we are ready to cook we simply transfer everything into the pot.
We find that allowing the flavors to mingle overnight improves the hearty taste of our Farmers Soup. For added convenience we can double the recipe and freeze extra servings. This lets us enjoy a warm bowl whenever we need a quick and comforting meal.
Storage Times
| Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- We suggest warming the soup on medium-low heat to preserve the texture of the vegetables
- We stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- We add extra broth if the soup has thickened overnight or during storage
Conclusion
We hope this final creation brings the warmth of the countryside into your kitchen. The mix of wholesome produce and optional proteins results in a meal that’s both comforting and versatile. There’s a certain magic in that fragrant pot bubbling away on the stove. It reminds us of simpler times and the joy of a shared table.
We look forward to hearing your own spins on this cherished recipe. Let’s celebrate the tastes of our farms with every bowlful we enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Farmers Soup?
Farmers Soup is a comforting home-cooked meal traditionally prepared with fresh farm produce. Its flavors stem from a blend of onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery, plus optional proteins like chicken or beans. Sautéing these ingredients and simmering them in stock creates a delicious mix that warms both heart and home.
What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heat, a sturdy cutting board, and a sharp chef’s knife. A wooden spoon or heatproof spatula helps stir gently, while measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. A ladle is perfect for serving generous portions.
How do I prepare Farmers Soup in advance?
Chop your vegetables the night before and store them in airtight containers. Measure out spices or seasonings and keep them ready to drop into the pot. You can also cook any optional proteins in advance. This simple prep saves time and lets flavors mingle, making the soup even more delicious.
How should I store leftover Farmers Soup?
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy it later than that, consider freezing it for longer storage. Properly sealed containers maintain flavor and freshness, ensuring a tasty meal whenever you reheat.
Can I freeze Farmers Soup?
Yes, it freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months, which is ideal for batch cooking. Cool the soup completely before freezing to lock in freshness. Label containers with the freeze date, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on your countertop before reheating, ensuring the same hearty taste.
Can I make Farmers Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth as your base. Include beans, tofu, or chickpeas for additional protein. This simple tweak preserves the comforting nature of the recipe without sacrificing flavor. The result is a hearty, plant-based soup perfect for satisfying meals any time of year.
How do I reheat Farmers Soup?
Warm the soup on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. If it’s been stored in the fridge, you can heat it directly in a pot on the stove. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Add a bit of extra stock if the soup thickened while stored.