I make a great veggie soup even if I do say so myself. I put usually one large sweet onion diced in a pan. Add a small amt of olive oil and saute. Then I add one finely diced clove of garlic. Let it get clear but don't brown it or it will get bitter. I slightly brown my onions cause I love the flavor when they carmelize in the soup.
Next add your favorite like carrots, celery, squash (yellow and zuchinni), green beans (fresh or frozen), and fresh cabbage sliced thin. I add a few baby potatoes towards the end cut in 1/2 or 1/4 depending on size. I add organic veggie broth. I get mine at kroger or whole foods. It is made by pacific. It's delicious. I add 2 large cardboard containers. Then enough water to fill up a big pot.
I usually end up eating half (including serving the family) and then freezing 1/2. I like to cook big and freeze. Otherwise cut down on the portions.