1 and 1/2 tablespoons chicken soup mix, dissolved in 1 and 3/4 cups warm water

1 and 1/2 cups Gefen Tomato Juice

1 cup water

1 large sweet potato, diced

2 carrots, sliced in half-circles

2 stalks celery, sliced

2 cups canned diced tomatoes (any leftovers can be frozen for later use)

2 cups frozen string beans

1 and 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1/2 tablespoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

pinch thyme

pinch sugar (optional)

pesto, for garnish