Canned Mix Vegetables Make For An Easy Soup Starter

Soup is possibly one of the most approachable dishes for beginner chefs. It is simple and straightforward to make and extremely forgiving of common mistakes like oversalting and overcooking. Its flexibility and versatility also lends itself to last-minute weeknight dinners, as you can throw together a tasty soup from a wide variety of pantry items. One of the easiest ways to do so is by using canned mix vegetables.

Canned vegetable medleys act as an excellent starter for soups because they contain many flavorful and nutritious ingredients in a single convenient and cost-friendly package. They can be a real time-saver compared to fresh vegetables as well, since their already-softened texture allows you to skip the cleaning, chopping, and boiling that is usually required to prepare produce for soup. When combined with spices, a protein, and broth or bullion, canned vegetables come together to create a delicious meal in just a few minutes.

When it comes to using canned mix vegetables in your soup, deciding on the right blend is key. If you are cooking up soup on the fly, by all means use whatever you have on hand; however, if you have the luxury of choice, you can steer your dish in the direction of different cuisines. For example, peas and carrots may inspire a minestrone-adjacent outcome, whereas sweet corn and potatoes could allow for a Tex-Mex twist.

Regardless of which vegetables you use, you will want to start by giving them a quick rinse. Canned vegetables tend to be high in sodium due to the salt used in the preservation process, so a quick rinse will ensure you have more control over the saltiness of your soup. Then, add the veggies to your pot along with butter or cooking oil and your preferred seasonings. 

Sautéing the vegetables for a few minutes will infuse them with flavor before they are diluted in the liquid of your soup, and you can do the same with any proteins you plan on adding, provided they are not already seasoned. Once you are satisfied with the taste of your veggie base, you can add your stock and any additional ingredients you'd like. To finish, simply heat gently and serve.