Basic Veggie Soup

Feeling like you haven't been eating enough veggies? This soup is the answer! It's quick to make and very healthy.

2 1/2 medium carrots, sliced
1 1/2 stalks celery, sliced (I personally leave out the yucky celery, but someone out there must like it)
1 1/2 lge onions or 1 1/2 medium leeks, sliced and/or diced
1-2 lge cloves garlic
1 28oz can diced tomatoes in juice
1/4 - 1/2 small head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
1 med. parsnip, peeled and sliced
1 pkge baby spinach leaves (or less)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (or dried)
1 veggie bouillon cube
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1 c or so orzo pasta (optional)

Coat pot with oil. Over medium high heat, add carrots, celery, onions and garlic. Cook 5 mins.

Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up if necessary. Add remaining ingredients and 6 cups water.

Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occassionally. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 mins or until veggies become tender.

If adding pasta, add about 5 minutes before soup is done. Add more salt and pepper if desired.