Aunt Gin's Hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Medley
Inspired by my husband's cherished childhood memories, Aunt Gin's Hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Medley is a warm and comforting soup that transcends generations. Initially made with chicken legs in a pressure cooker, we've shifted to savory beef for its rich flavor. This crock pot adaptation allows for hands-off cooking while infusing the vegetables with rich and delicious flavors over time. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is not only nourishing but also a family favorite, especially when paired with my homemade whole-wheat bread. Packed with wholesome ingredients and delightful tastes, even the pickiest eaters will savor every spoonful.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
stew meat or cooked chicken
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
potatoes
2 (chopped)
canned whole tomatoes
32 ounces (quartered or diced)
corn
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
green beans
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
onion
1 (chopped (optional))
cabbage
2 cups (chopped (or 3/4 bag of coleslaw mix))
sugar
1/4 cup (for balancing saltiness)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine all the ingredients: stew meat (or cooked chicken), chopped potatoes, canned tomatoes (quarter or diced), corn with juice, green beans with juice, chopped onion (if using), chopped cabbage, sugar, celery, salt, and pepper.
2
Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
3
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Cook for at least 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
4
For best results, consider preparing the soup the night before by placing all ingredients in the crock pot and storing it in the refrigerator overnight. Start cooking the next day for a warm, ready meal.
5
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for several days, or freeze after 24 hours for later enjoyment. Note that if you include onion, the flavor can intensify over time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aunt Gin's Hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Medley?
Aunt Gin's Hearty Crock Pot Vegetable Medley is a warm and comforting soup made with beef or chicken and a variety of vegetables, inspired by cherished family memories.
What kind of meat should I use for this soup?
You can use either one pound of stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces or one pound of cooked chicken.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What are the primary vegetables in this medley?
The primary vegetables include potatoes, canned tomatoes, corn, green beans, onion, cabbage, and celery.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The recipe calls for two potatoes that should be chopped before being added to the crock pot.
Do I need to drain the canned corn?
No, you should include the juice from the 14-ounce can of corn for extra flavor.
Should I drain the green beans?
No, use the green beans with their juice as specified in the instructions.
How much cabbage is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chopped cabbage, or alternatively, 3/4 of a bag of coleslaw mix.
Why is sugar added to a vegetable soup?
One-quarter cup of sugar is included to help balance the saltiness of the other ingredients.
What is the recommended cooking time?
Cook the soup on low heat for at least 8 to 10 hours.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients in the crock pot and store it in the refrigerator overnight, then start cooking the next day.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for several days.
Can this vegetable medley be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen after it has been refrigerated for 24 hours.
What is a good side dish for this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with homemade whole-wheat bread.
Is the onion mandatory in this recipe?
No, the onion is optional, though it adds a flavor that can intensify over time.
How much celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
What type of canned tomatoes should I buy?
Use 32 ounces of canned whole tomatoes, which should be quartered or diced.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredient categories including the meat and seasonings.
What temperature setting should I use on my crock pot?
You should use the low heat setting for this recipe.
What was the original meat used in the family history of this dish?
Originally, Aunt Gin made this dish with chicken legs in a pressure cooker.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned corn and beans with juice, you could adapt it, but the liquid levels may need adjustment.
How should the stew meat be prepared?
The stew meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the pot.
Does the order of ingredients matter?
The instructions suggest combining all ingredients and stirring well to ensure they are mixed thoroughly before cooking.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as nourishing and packed with wholesome ingredients like vegetables and lean protein.
How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
What size crock pot is needed?
A large crock pot is recommended to accommodate the 12 servings and variety of ingredients.
How do I season the soup?
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Why does the recipe use canned vegetables with their juice?
The juices from the canned corn and green beans contribute to the flavorful liquid base of the soup.
What makes this soup 'hearty'?
The combination of meat, potatoes, cabbage, and a long slow-cooking process creates a rich, filling texture.