When I was growing up, Mom cooked more often than not. But, there were some meals/dishes that were Dad's. One was his veggie soup. It was stupid simple. Beef tail and some cheap beef browned in some oil in his big pot. Some flour for a basic roux. Seasoning, some water, and canned diced tomatoes. Simmered for a few hours. Lentils added. When they got tender, he would add cans of veggies. Whatever he had on hand. He used canned to makes sure the veggies were all done at the same time, and because it was easy. That was it. Served with saltines and butter.