Nourishing Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable Soup Recipe Everyone Loves

On chilly evenings, this hearty vegetable soup becomes a warm embrace that soothes your soul.

Seasonal produce transforms into a vibrant medley of flavors dancing in your bowl.

Robust ingredients like carrots, celery, and onions create a symphony of comfort and nutrition.

Chopped herbs whisper hints of fresh garden goodness throughout each spoonful.

Packed with nutrients and simple to prepare, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced cooks.

Ladle this liquid sunshine into deep ceramic bowls and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Savor every bite and let this soup become your new cold-weather companion.

Vegetable Soup That Feels Like a Hug

  • This vegetable soup recipe offers lightning-fast preparation with minimal chopping and simple steps that even beginner cooks can master.
  • Loaded with diverse vegetables, the soup delivers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an incredibly healthy one-pot meal for families.
  • Easily adaptable to seasonal vegetables and pantry ingredients, this recipe allows creative substitutions without compromising taste or quality while keeping cooking costs low.
  • Perfect for cold days, the soup provides a cozy, warming solution that supports immune health and satisfies hunger with its rich, wholesome flavors.

Everything to Put in Your Vegetable Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.
  • Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
  • Celery: Provides subtle herbal undertones and crisp texture.
  • Zucchini: Light vegetable that adds moisture and mild flavor.
  • Green Beans: Introduces fresh garden-like texture and green color.
Starch Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that creates substance and thickness.
  • Corn: Sweet kernel that adds a pop of bright yellow and sweetness.
  • Peas: Small green vegetables that provide additional nutrition and color.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Vegetable Broth: Primary liquid base for building soup's consistency.
  • Water: Helps adjust soup's overall liquid volume.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy flavor and rich red color.
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial vegetable sautéing and flavor base.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements vegetable flavors.
  • Basil: Provides fresh, slightly peppery taste.
  • Bay Leaf: Contributes subtle background depth.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic complexity.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finishing touch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional tangy and salty topping.

Simmering Guide for Hearty Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add these ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Cook and stir the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release a wonderful aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Drop these ingredients into the pot:
  • Potatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Green beans
  • Diced tomatoes with juice
  • Vegetable broth
  • Water

Sprinkle in thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Add Final Vegetable Touches

Stir in corn and peas. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes until all vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 4: Prepare to Serve

Take out the bay leaf. Do a quick taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. Scoop the hot soup into serving bowls. For extra flair, top with fresh parsley or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Vegetable Soup

  • Sauté Secrets: Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Broth Boost: Use homemade vegetable broth for a richer, more complex taste that elevates the entire soup.
  • Herb Harmony: Fresh herbs like thyme and basil can be replaced with dried herbs at a 1:3 ratio for consistent flavor.
  • Customize Creatively: Transform this soup into a hearty meal by adding protein like cooked chicken, beans, or tofu for extra nutrition.
  • Quick Storage Solution: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for a convenient future meal that reheats beautifully.

Storage Tips to Keep Vegetable Soup Tasty

  • Store leftover vegetable soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through completely. Add a splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to prevent hot spots.

Bread and Side Ideas for Vegetable Soup

  • Tear off chunks of rustic sourdough or whole wheat bread to dip into the rich, vegetable-packed soup, soaking up all the delicious broth.
  • Choose a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's fresh vegetable flavors without overpowering the delicate herbs.
  • Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the warm, comforting soup, balancing the meal's texture and taste.
  • Sprinkle aged Parmesan or crumble sharp cheddar over the soup to add a salty, umami depth that elevates the vegetable medley's natural sweetness.

Additions to Boost Your Vegetable Soup

  • Hearty Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu cubes during the final 10 minutes of simmering for extra protein and a more filling meal.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace vegetable broth with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Creamy Vegetable Soup: Blend half the soup until smooth and return to the pot, creating a creamier texture without adding dairy.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Soup: Incorporate chopped spinach, replace thyme with oregano, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Greek-style variation.
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Nourishing Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable soup blends garden-fresh ingredients into a comforting culinary journey through seasonal produce. Nourishing vegetables and aromatic herbs deliver warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare base aromatics by gently sweating chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery in heated olive oil until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Introduce hearty vegetables including diced potatoes, zucchini, and green beans into the aromatic mixture, followed by diced tomatoes with their natural juices and vegetable broth.
  3. Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by incorporating thyme, basil, and a bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
  4. Elevate the liquid to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to meld together for roughly 20 minutes.
  5. Incorporate sweet corn kernels and tender green peas during the final cooking stage, continuing to simmer until all vegetables reach perfect tenderness, approximately 10 additional minutes.
  6. Carefully remove the bay leaf and perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve the vibrant soup piping hot, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Enhance vegetable flavor by roasting carrots, onions, and celery before adding to the pot for a deeper, caramelized taste.
  • Customize the soup’s thickness by partially mashing some potatoes or adding a splash of cream for extra richness.
  • Extend shelf life by storing in airtight containers, which keeps the soup fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator and allows flavors to develop further.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free and low-sodium by using homemade vegetable broth and checking ingredient labels for potential gluten contamination.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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