Spicy and Creamy Vegetable Soup

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, carrot, and celery until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and dill weed; cook until garlic is fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Pour water into onion mixture and bring to a boil. Stir chicken base into the boiling water until dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with green chiles, potatoes, and green beans; bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir mushrooms until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Add browned mushrooms to the soup. Stir heavy cream and kale into soup; cook until kale is tender and soup is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Cook's Note:

This is easily made vegetarian by using veggie base, cubes, or broth. You can sub water and base for 6 cups chicken broth. I brown the mushrooms to yield a firmer texture and nuttier taste. This freezes well. You may need more water as the soup cooks down. Check for seasonings as you add water, you may want to add more base as well.