As the crispness of autumn sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade vegetable soup to warm the soul. This recipe turns simple soup into a flavorful delight.
My mother spent hours making a fragrant vegetable broth. She’d let carrots, onions, and celery simmer, filling our home with a mouthwatering aroma. I’ve made her recipe easier, so you can enjoy it quickly.
This soup is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with essential nutrients. It’s perfect for anyone who loves soup or wants to eat more plant-based meals. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hearty and satisfying vegetable soup that’s perfect for chilly weather
- Packed with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like carrots, celery, and potatoes
- A flexible recipe that can be tailored to your preferred seasonal vegetables.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
- Prep and cook in under an hour, yielding 6 generous servings
Why This Vegetable Soup Recipe Stands Out
This homemade vegetable soup is a true standout. It offers a delightful balance of comforting flavors and impressive nutritional value. With an average rating of 5 stars from 65 reviews, it’s clear that this recipe has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Each serving of this vegetable soup packs a powerful punch. It has 8 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein per serving. This makes it a nourishing and satiating meal that supports a plant-based diet. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to incorporate a variety of seasonal produce for added nutritional benefits.
Perfect for All Seasons
Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal during the colder months or a refreshing option in the warmer seasons, this vegetable soup recipe has you covered. The total preparation time of 1 hour and 30 minutes yields 8 servings. This makes it a convenient and budget-friendly meal option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Budget-Friendly Meal Option
Utilizing affordable and readily available ingredients, this vegetable soup recipe is an excellent choice. It uses carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. This makes it a great option for those looking to create delicious, comforting meals without breaking the bank. The recipe’s adaptability to seasonal produce further enhances its cost-effectiveness and value.
Essential Ingredients for Hearty Vegetable Soup
Creating a comforting vegetable soup starts with key ingredients. This recipe uses fresh produce, aromatic seasonings, and pantry staples. Together, they make a satisfying one-pot meal. Let’s explore the must-have components for your winter soups and one-pot meals!
Mirepoix: The Flavor Foundation
The recipe starts with a mirepoix of diced onions, carrots, and celery. This mix adds a savory and sweet flavor to the soup.
Garlic and Herbs for Aroma
Minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme give the soup a great smell. They enhance the flavor of the dish.
Potatoes and Beans for Substance
Diced potatoes and kidney beans make the soup hearty. They add texture and thicken the broth, and they boost the soup’s protein and fiber.
Canned Tomatoes and Broth for Liquid Base
Canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth make the soup’s liquid base. The tomatoes add acidity and richness, and the broth adds savory depth.
Finishing Touches: Corn, Lemon, and Parsley
Fresh corn, lemon juice, and parsley add the final touches. The corn adds sweetness, the lemon brightens the flavors, and the parsley adds freshness.
With these ingredients, you can make a hearty, comforting vegetable soup. It’s perfect for cold winter days or any time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Carrots, diced | 3 |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Potatoes, diced | 2 medium |
| Kidney beans, drained and rinsed | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Canned diced tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Vegetable broth | 8 cups |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
This recipe is easy to customize. You can add or swap your favorite winter vegetables. Try parsnips, zucchini, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, or bell peppers for a unique twist.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Preparing a hearty vegetable soup needs the right tools and equipment. From cookware to utensils, let’s look at what you need to make your meal prep better.
Essential Cookware
A large Dutch oven or soup pot is key for simmering your soup. The Le Creuset Stockpot is a top choice for its even heat and durability.
For a smoother soup, a blender or immersion blender is great. The Vitamix Explorian Blender is the best, and the Cuisinart Smart Stick is the top immersion blender.
Helpful Utensils and Gadgets
- A sharp chef’s knife for chopping veggies
- A versatile vegetable peeler for easy prep
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements
- A sturdy wooden spoon for stirring and tasting
- The Stanley Classic Thermos to keep soup hot for 24 hours
- Pyrex Storage Containers for easy soup storage
- The Earlywood Kitchen Utensils, with a lifetime warranty
With these tools, you’ll make a delicious vegetable soup that will impress. Enjoy your meal!
| Product | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Le Creuset Stockpot | Trusted cookware brand known for even heat distribution and durability |
| Vitamix Explorian Blender | Named the best blender by the Test Kitchen |
| Cuisinart Smart Stick Variable Speed Hand Blender | Recognized as the top immersion blender |
| Stanley Classic Thermos | Keeps food hot for up to 24 hours |
| Pyrex Storage Containers | Transitions easily from freezer to fridge to microwave |
| Earlywood Kitchen Utensils | Feature a lifetime warranty for long-lasting use |
| GIR Silicone Spatula | Heat-resistant up to 550°F |
| OXO Good Grips Ladle | Stainless-steel finish that won’t melt or warp near a hot surface |
| Brasserie Porcelain Soup Bowls | Microwave- and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning |
| KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker | Features an LED display that shows the remaining cooking time |
Preparation and Chopping Techniques
Making a tasty and healthy low-fat dish begins with good prep. For your homemade vegetable soup, make sure veggies are clean, peeled, and cut the same size for even cooking. Here are the key steps:
- Onions, carrots, and celery are the soup’s base. Cut them into small, even pieces for a consistent texture.
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. This size helps them cook right without getting mushy.
- Garlic should be minced or pressed to release its flavorful oils and blend well into the broth.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil should be finely chopped just before adding. This keeps their flavors bright.
Spending time on proper prep makes your low-fat dish not just tasty but also good to look at and satisfying. Uniform chopping means all veggies cook the same, giving a mix of textures and tastes in every bite.
| Vegetable | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Onions, Carrots, Celery | Dice into small, even pieces |
| Potatoes | Peel and cut into 1/2-inch cubes |
| Garlic | Mince or press |
| Fresh Herbs | Finely chop just before adding |
By spending a bit more time on prep, you’ll make your vegetable soup better. Your taste buds will love it!
Building Flavor: The Base Ingredients
Creating a delicious vegetable soup starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Start by cooking onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. This mix, called the “holy trinity,” is the soup’s savory base.
Then, add garlic, curry powder, and thyme. Garlic brings a strong smell, while curry and thyme add warmth and earthiness. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a bit of acidity and richness.
Aromatics and Seasonings
- Onions, carrots, and celery (the “holy trinity”)
- Garlic, for its pungent aroma
- Curry powder, to add warmth and complexity
- Dried thyme, for its earthy notes
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, for acidity and depth
Broth Selection Tips
Choosing the right broth is key. Use a good vegetable or chicken-flavored stock. Better Than Bouillon paste adds a deep umami flavor. Bay leaves and red pepper flakes can also boost the broth’s taste.
To make the soup even better, add fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil. These touches will enhance the flavors, making your healthy soup recipe or vegetarian recipe a hit.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Making an easy vegetable soup at home is simple and rewarding. Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Once they’re fragrant and soft, add your favorite seasonings like Italian seasoning, bay leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Then, add diced tomatoes and your preferred broth or vegetable stock. Let it simmer gently. Next, add more veggies like potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Sauté aromatic vegetables in olive oil.
- Add seasonings and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in broth or vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add remaining vegetables and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Stir in leafy greens and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
In the last few minutes, add leafy greens like spinach or kale. Let them wilt. Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. This homemade soup takes about 40-45 minutes to make, offering a hearty, flavorful meal.
“The best thing about this easy vegetable soup recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand and customize the seasonings to your taste.”
Seasonal Vegetable Options and Substitutions
Creating the perfect vegetable soup means knowing your seasonal produce. While the main ingredients stay the same, fresh seasonal veggies can make a big difference. Let’s look at the best seasonal choices and easy swaps for your homemade soup.
Winter Vegetables
Winter brings hearty veggies like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and kale. These add warmth and nutrients to your soup. They also bring a sweet flavor that pairs well with savory broth.
Summer Produce Alternatives
For a lighter soup in summer, try zucchini, yellow squash, and fresh basil. They add a refreshing taste. Frozen peas and corn are also great all year, offering flexibility.
Seasonal produce is key to a great vegetable soup, no matter the time. Root veggies like parsnips and beets, and bell peppers and broccoli, offer endless options. Using seasonal ingredients lets you make a soup that truly reflects the season.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Mastering meal prep ideas with your homemade vegetable soup is a game-changer. Leftover soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures you have a nourishing meal ready to go.
For long-term storage, freezing is your best option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to leave about an inch of headspace to accommodate the liquid’s expansion during freezing. Properly sealed and stored, your vegetable soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing method preserves the soup’s texture and flavor. For a faster thaw, you can use a warm water bath or submerge the container in warm water.
Avoid the microwave, as it can unevenly heat the soup and compromise its quality, especially if the container is made of plastic.
To revive the texture of thawed soup, simply add a splash of broth or water and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, taking care to stir frequently. A touch of lemon juice, fresh herbs, or a pinch of salt can also help reinvigorate the flavors. With these storage and freezing strategies, you’ll always have a hearty, delicious vegetable soup on hand, making meal prep a breeze.
FAQ
What makes this vegetable soup recipe stand out?
This homemade vegetable soup is perfect for fall through winter. It’s packed with fresh, wholesome flavors. It’s also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making it great for many diets.
What are the health benefits and nutritional value of this soup?
This vegetable soup is full of fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants. Each serving provides 8 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. Is this vegetable soup recipe suitable for all seasons?
Yes, it’s adaptable to any season. It’s also an economical meal, using affordable ingredients and making lots of servings.
What are the key ingredients in this hearty vegetable soup?
It includes olive oil, mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots), garlic, potatoes, kidney beans, Italian seasoning, canned diced tomatoes, corn, vegetable broth, lemon, and fresh parsley.
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make this vegetable soup?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Also, a sharp knife, vegetable peeler, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon. A blender or immersion blender can help make it smoother.
How should the vegetables be prepared for this soup?
Wash and chop vegetables evenly for cooking. Dice onions, carrots, and celery. Peel and cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs just before adding.
How do you build the flavor in this vegetable soup?
Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a drizzle of olive oil. Add garlic, curry powder, and thyme. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes and Better Than Bouillon for broth. Bay leaves and red pepper flakes bring a rich, complex flavor. Finish with lemon juice and olive oil.
What is the step-by-step cooking method for this vegetable soup?
Sauté vegetables in olive oil. Add seasonings, then tomatoes. Pour in broth and water, add remaining vegetables, and simmer for 25 minutes. Add leafy greens and simmer for 5 more minutes. Finish with lemon juice and olive oil. Cooking time is about 40-45 minutes.
What seasonal vegetables can be used in this soup?
Use sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and kale in winter. Zucchini, yellow squash, and basil are good in summer. Frozen peas and corn are available all year. Green beans, parsnips, cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers work in any season.
How do you store and freeze this vegetable soup?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before freezing. Place in freezer bags, remove air and freeze flat. Frozen soup lasts up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
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