One pot dish can feed a large crowd

This soup was an old standby right before Christmas break during my college days. I would get the soup started and as friends dropped by, each would bring along some to "add to the pot" and the fun was seeing how a truly delicious soup developed after everyone adding their ingredients.

The vegetables and meats are mainly what we added, but you can change it up by adding more root vegetables, legumes or cooked rice. I'd also suggest trying chorizo, sliced steak or even some wild game if you have some to add to the pot.  


In any case, just let your taste buds be the guide while preparing this soup. Take time to enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends because everyone adding a little bit of themselves to the holiday will make the season brighter.

Happy holidays!



— Scott C. Anderson is associate food service director and chef with Shepherd University dining services in Shepherdstown, W.Va., and Chef Ambassador to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.



Add to the Pot  Soup


4 cups thinly sliced onions

3 garlic clove, minced

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

3 1/2 quarts beef broth

2 cups crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon tarragon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt