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
Scale
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.
