Frugal Recipes 

Michelle's Meals on a Budget
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Homemade Vegetable Soup
Copyright © 2001 by Michelle Jones, editor of BetterBudgeting.com

This is one of our family's favorite frugal recipes, and so easy to make. The best part is, with a few things from your pantry, it's practically free!

Ingredients:

1 can of corn
1 can of green beans
1 can of peas and carrots
1 can of crushed or diced tomatoes
beef broth (We often use a bouillon cube, but the can of beef broth seems to have more flavor - and salt.)
1 pkg. of wide noodles
cornstarch, if needed

* In a large 4-5 qt pot, fill half way with water (or 3/4 of the way if you have a large family).

* Cook noodles for about 10-15 minutes, al dente; until just tender. (Beef broth can be added before or after.)

* Add drained corn, green beans, peas and carrots. Add entire can of tomatoes (do not drain), until everything is heated through.

If you like your soup thin you're done, if you like it thick add a bit of cornstarch to a few TBS. of water and mix it into the soup to thicken. Serve with crackers if desired, whatever is on sale!

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