Hedda's Hearty Vegetable Soup - 0-1 Ww Points

A very hearty (and optionally spicy) tomato based vegetable soup. Originally received as a typed handout at a WW meeting - no trace of its source. The only change I made to it was to add pearl or pot barley. A big pot of this soup sits in my fridge when I feel the need to lose a few pounds. It is filling and virtually guilt free eating. Eat as much as you want! All vegetables and quantities are optional and any non-starchy veg would work. Tastes better when reheated.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 10-12
• Yields: 12-14 cups

Ingredients

• 1 (48 ounce) jar  V8 vegetable juice
• 2  cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3  pieces cauliflower, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup  yellow beans (I use frozen)
• 1⁄2 cup green beans (I use frozen)
• 3  pieces broccoli
• 1  small green pepper, diced
• 1⁄4 cabbage, diced
• 2  stalks celery
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  large carrots, diced
• 1  small zucchini, diced
• 2  teaspoons garlic, chopped (I use jar garlic)
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper (fine)
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 pot barley

Directions

1. Start with the V8 juice.
2. Add beef broth and canned tomatoes.
3. Add remaining ingredients except zucchini.
4. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer, covered (with steam hole) for 4-6 hours or until vegetables are as soft as you like them.
5. Add zucchini for the last 30-60 minutes.