Re: Fresh vegetables
Wild Blueberry -
It's easy to use up veg and even salads like lettuce or cucumber when they're looking a bit tired & old -
Start off by frying onions, celery & peppers if you have them, in oil. Then add the rest, a can of tomatoes, stock, seasoning and anything else you can think of, like leftover baked beans, just use your imagination
I had some crispbread I didn't like so I put one in a panful, and it all mushed down & blended in to add more bulk & fibre
If the soup is a bit bland you can of course add more seasoning & herbs, but also booze; wine, brandy, sherry, and/or cream
You could probably do this in a slow cooker but I haven't tried that yet
You can get a hand held blender, aka stick blender cheap enough. You don't need the fancy attachments, but get one where the stick part unscrews from the motor for cleaning
Pay attention; a moment's lack of concentration and you can make a spectacular mess of your kitchen
If you get a mains one you will need an electricity socket close, and keep the lead clear of the hob
You can get battery operated ones
This sort of soup tends to grow & grow. I dispense it into single servings in freezer bags, and freeze some for future use
Or you could make a soup base - freeze just the blended veg in a small amount of water or stock as this will take up less room, then use it to make up a proper soup or stew as you need it