I love this soup. I like to have the vegetables cut medium it makes is hardier. But if you prefer smooth you can always chop smaller or puree. I also omit the bay leaf because I don't like bay leaf. I also use a ham hock from left over Easter or Christmas dinner.
Throw together the fixin's in the morning and enjoy a steak-and-peppers main simmering in a tomato-based sauce for dinner. Melty Swiss cheese is the clincher.
This easy-to-make winning update of a favorite comfort food is a hearty main dish chock-full of colorful vegetables. Your family will request it every night of the week!