On chilly days or when you’re looking for something healthy and comforting, nothing beats a warm bowl of Easy Vegetable Soup. This delicious recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables and fragrant herbs, making it an ideal meal for the whole family. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak some veggies into your kids’ diets! Let’s get started with our delightful recipe and transform simple ingredients into a hearty dish.
What Makes Vegetable Soup So Special
Vegetable soup is a family classic that comes together with minimal effort. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its simplicity, but also in its adaptability. You can easily incorporate whatever vegetables you have on hand, whether fresh or frozen. This makes it a fantastic option for busy families looking for quick meals.
Homemade soup is often healthier and more flavorful than canned options, allowing you to control the ingredients. It’s also perfect for meal prepping—prepare a big batch and store it for later, ensuring a warm and nutritious meal is always ready.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
With these simple ingredients, you’ll create a nourishing soup that tastes great and looks beautiful. Cooking with fresh ingredients supports a healthy lifestyle and makes the meal even more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create a soup loaded with flavor and texture while keeping clean-up easy.
Enhancing the Flavor of Your Soup
Add Extra Herbs & Spices
To elevate the taste of your vegetable soup, experiment with additional herbs and spices. A pinch of cumin can add warmth, while red pepper flakes provide a bit of heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavor and make the soup feel refreshing.
Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’re preparing this soup for picky eaters, consider puréeing it at the end for a smoother texture. This helps pack in nutrients while keeping little ones happy.
Keep It Plant-Based
Using vegetable broth ensures the soup stays light, vegan, and suitable for most dietary preferences.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this Easy Vegetable Soup?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are time-savers and still nutritious. Add them a bit later since they cook faster than fresh ones.
How long can I store my vegetable soup?
Refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Always let the soup cool completely before storing it.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic first for deeper flavor. Then place everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Vegetable soup is incredibly flexible. Add lentils for extra protein or swap in your favorite veggies. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in toward the end to wilt gently.
Conclusion
In just a short time, you can enjoy a warm, hearty, and nutritious bowl of Easy Vegetable Soup that satisfies the whole family. Incorporating this dish into your weekly meal plan provides a delicious yet simple way to stay healthy and energized.
So why wait? Gather the ingredients and enjoy the cozy comfort of homemade vegetable soup today. Remember—cooking together doesn’t just create meals, it creates memories.
Print
Easy Vegetable Soup
A wholesome and comforting vegetable soup packed with nutritious vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for the whole family.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adapt the recipe with any vegetables you have on hand, and consider adding spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg