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If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, nourishing bowl that checks all the boxes, this Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s loaded with fresh veggies that bring vibrant colors, a medley of flavors that warm you from the inside out, and a satisfying texture that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly evening. Simple yet incredibly flavorful, this soup is perfect whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a soothing dish to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and essential. Each vegetable and herb contributes something unique—be it sweetness, crunch, or an herbal note—creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out the rich flavors of the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds a savory depth and natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Contribute a fresh crunch and earthy undertone.
- 1 zucchini (diced): Brings a tender texture and mild flavor.
- 1 bell pepper (diced): Adds color and a bright, slightly sweet taste.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice): Gives richness and acidity that balances the soup.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers fragrant herbal notes for complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the soup’s overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To seasoning perfection, sharpening all the flavors.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale: Boosts the nutritional profile with leafy greens.
- 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into pieces): Adds a refreshing crunch and color.
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn: For an extra touch of sweetness and texture variety.
How to Make Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This method really unlocks the flavors of the onion and garlic, turning them sweet and fragrant—a perfect foundation for the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base
Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen start to fill with a comforting aroma that hints at what’s to come.
Step 3: Add More Veggies
Incorporate the zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften, which helps to layer in complexity and texture for a hearty bite.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time for the tomatoes, juice included, and the vegetable broth. These ingredients give your soup body and a rich, flavorful base that ties all those fresh veggies together beautifully.
Step 5: Season With Herbs and Spice
Add the dried thyme and basil along with salt and pepper to taste. These herbs bring out the garden-fresh vibe of the soup, making every spoonful fragrant and bright.
Step 6: Simmer and Meld Flavors
Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This slow melding lets the flavors integrate fully and the vegetables become perfectly tender without losing their character.
Step 7: Wilt the Greens
In the last few minutes, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. This final addition not only packs in nutrients but also adds a lovely pop of color and freshness just before serving.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a final taste and tweak the seasoning if necessary. Don’t be shy here—sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference in turning a good soup into a memorable one.
How to Serve Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before eating can elevate it with a fresh herbal kick. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can also add a luscious finishing touch that complements the vegetable medley beautifully.
Side Dishes
This vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad alongside keeps the meal light yet balanced, making it a wholesome dinner that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or vibrant colored mugs to brighten up your table. You can also ladle it over cooked grains like quinoa or rice for a more filling, stew-like dish that’s perfect for colder nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This vegetable soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a nourishing lunch or dinner ready to go anytime you need one.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option for making this Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe in advance. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months—perfect for busy weeks or batch cooking days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up and refresh those flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on your favorites or what’s in season. Potatoes, corn, or even mushrooms can all make tasty additions.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, it’s entirely plant-based, using vegetable broth and no animal products. It’s a fantastic vegan-friendly dinner that’s both hearty and nutritious.
How can I make the soup more filling?
To boost the heartiness, add cooked beans, lentils, or grains like barley or quinoa. These will add texture, protein, and make it a complete meal in itself.
What can I do if I don’t have dried herbs?
Fresh herbs work wonderfully too. Simply use about three times the amount, or if you don’t have any herbs on hand, a pinch of Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence can be a great substitute.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Start by sautéing the aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a hands-off version of this delicious recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about settling in with a bowl of homemade soup, and this Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. It’s vibrant, comforting, and packed full of goodness, making every spoonful a celebration of home-cooked warmth and flavor. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner go-to!
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Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Healthy and Hearty Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and healthy vegetable soup recipe combines a variety of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, creating a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season. Packed with vitamins and fiber, this easy-to-make soup is ideal for a wholesome dinner that warms you up and satisfies your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, releasing its flavor into the oil.
- Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop sweetness and aroma.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and 4 cups of vegetable broth, creating the soup’s base.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried basil, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, preparing for simmering.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Add Leafy Greens: In the final minutes, stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow it to wilt, adding nutrients and color.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can add optional frozen peas or corn during step 4 for additional sweetness and texture.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content for a healthier option.
- This soup is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the greens.
- Feel free to substitute kale with other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens.
