There’s something warm and comforting about a bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. I remember one dreary afternoon, feeling under the weather, when I stumbled upon a simple vegetable soup recipe. It was quick to make, used ingredients I already had on hand, and brought warmth to my kitchen just like a hug on a cold day. That soup was not just filling; it turned my entire mood around. Now, it’s a go-to recipe every time I crave something wholesome and delicious.
why make this recipe
Easy Vegetable Soup is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s packed with nutrients from a variety of fresh vegetables, making it a healthy option for everyone. Second, it’s incredibly flexible; you can mix and match vegetables based on what you have in your fridge. Lastly, it’s a one-pot recipe, which means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love a quick and easy meal?
how to make Easy Vegetable Soup
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery ribs (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh green beans
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (depending on how brothy you’d like it)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions :
- Saute the veggies. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and saute another 30 seconds.
- Add more veggies. Add the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, bay leaves, and broth. Stir together and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork tender.
- Add the frozen veggies. Add the corn and peas, stir, and cook about 5 to 7 minutes longer.
- Serve. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Ladle the vegetable soup into bowls.
how to serve Easy Vegetable Soup
Serve Easy Vegetable Soup in warm bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You might also want to add some crusty bread or a slice of garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
how to store Easy Vegetable Soup
To store your Easy Vegetable Soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as soup expands when frozen.
tips to make Easy Vegetable Soup
- Customizable: Feel free to add any vegetables you like or have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers would work great!
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sauting the veggies.
- Use fresh herbs: For more flavor, consider adding fresh basil or thyme at the end instead of parsley.
variation
You can easily make this soup heartier by adding cooked beans or lentils for extra protein.
FAQ SECTION
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if that’s what you have. Just add them when you would add the fresh vegetables.
Q2: Is this soup vegan?
Yes, Easy Vegetable Soup is entirely vegan if you use vegetable broth.
Q3: Can I add pasta to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add small pasta shapes, but make sure to cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid them getting mushy in the soup.
Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Easy Vegetable Soup!
