1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
celery
1/2 onion
1 tsp tomato paste
2 potatoes, diced
2 q water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 beef or chicken cubes
1/2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup rice (optional)
grated parmesan cheese

In a 4-q pot place frozen mixed vegetables.
Add some celery and 1/2 onion, both chopped. Also add 1 tsp tomato paste and 2 potatoes, diced.
Add 2 q water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 beef or chicken cubes (we prefer Knorr) and boil until the vegetables are cooked, about 1 hour.
Let cool a bit and pass in blender.
Pour back into pan and bring back to boil. Add 1/2 tbsp butter. If so desired, 1/2 cup cooked rice can be added at this point.
Serve hot, with lots of grated parmesan cheese.

NOTE: In the summer time the frozen vegetables can be replaced with available fresh ones.