Can I just throw different veg in a pot and make soup

[doggydesperado]

Literally just a mix of veg that I have that will be thrown out if not used, ie parsnip, potato, carrot, pepper and celery. Can I chuck them together in a pot with stock or will that be rotten

As long as you season it, it'll be okay. Not the best, but perfectly edible.

But really probably need to add something to give it a bit more oomph, like some bacon or cream or both.

Yes you can! Do you have any stock cubes or dried herbs or spices to add flavour? You could also add some dried lentils to thicken it up. Make sure you add lots of salt and pepper.

I wouldn’t use a stock cube.
Google combinations of what you’ve got +soup.
Failing that, I think I’d leave out the parsnips and cook them all up. Do you have onions and garlic?

Yes, although I'd add an onion and start off by frying that off with the celery and carrot, and probably the pepper too. Then add the other veg and some vegetable stock or chicken stock if you eat meat.

Yes it will be nice, especially if you sauté some onions and garlic before adding the other veg and the stock.

Def use some stock with it x

I would skip the parsnip with all the other veg as it might make it taste funny.

I’d follow a veg soup recipeswww.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/winter_vegetable_soup_24185. So sautée an onion and garlic first, then add some veg when they are translucent. And sauté those a bit. Add some stock. Bobs your uncle.

Yes, I often do that. I add curry powder or other interesting spices to give some flavour and herbs and veggie stock (chicken would be tastier but one family member is veggie). When it is cooked, I blend it smooth, add lots of cream and serve with chopped parsley or chives.

Sizzle and soften them a bit in the pan in a little butter or olive oil before adding hot stock. If you keep a couple of potatoes and some of the veg separate once the veg is cooked, you could blitz one half for some extra thickening and put back the other half for texture. But make sure you taste it afterwards to make sure there's enough seasoning.

ETA: I wouldn't add the pepper to it, but carrot, potato, parsnip and celery all go together well.

ETA2: Use the stock cube and a pinch of Thyme if you've got that.

Thanks all, I also have lentils and garlic also some frozen sweet potato but I don't have actual stock, just the stock cubes... will this make
A difference? I also have different herbs and spices

I would sauté the carrot, pepper and celery first. Then give it all a boil. Pull a bit out and put it through the blender to thicken. Pour back in. The entire thing should be seasoned well with salt, pepper, and whatever spices you like. I personally would use store bought chicken or beef stock instead of water if I have it available, but it’s not necessary.

Why not??

Stock cubes will be fine.

This is literally what stock cubes are
for.

I make soup all the time. Whatever I’ve got plus some frozen chopped onions, a tin of tomatoes and a stock cube.
Today was leftover roasted butternut squash, a small amount of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peas plus the onions, tinned toms and a stock pot.
Its delicious. My dgc love my soup even though they’re reluctant to eat veg.

Ohhh that's intriguing- I would have thought of adding tinned tomatoes- does that work with most veg?

Parsnips are great in soup!

you pretty much need an onion tbh. And garlic would be good. Do the onion, garlic, celery and carrot all chopped on and sweat them in some oil with salt and pepper for 5 mins then add water and stick with Your other veg. It’ll not be amazing but that’s how I’d do it with what you have. X

Put max 1 potato in it unless you are making an enormous vat. I have accidentally made mashed potatoes a few times by adding too much potato to soup!

We call that fridge bottom soup here! I make it with whatever veg I have left that needs using. Some are better than others but all are good.

Stock cubes are fine. Season well and if you have garlic and herbs add those too.

I lije to add a small squeeze of lemon juice too as that can really lift the flavour

You could roast the veg first then throw into some hot stock and blend. It can give a nice flavour.

I fancy some soup now.

Yes but sometimes the acidity stops potatoes and other root veg from softening properly so many per boil your potatoes first before adding them if you’re using chopped tomato.

Me too!

Bottom of the fridge soup is a real thing.

Think about the colour that the soup will come out, you want it to be appealing.
What flavours do you like? What flavour will go with what you have? Add some herbs or spices.
Will it fill you up? Add some beans or lentils.
Do you want it chunky or smooth?
Be cautious about potatoes in soup, they behave weirdly.

Stock cubes are fine.