Hearty & Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

The Best Cozy Vegetable Soup You’ll Ever Make!

Feeling like a warm hug in a bowl? Look no further! This vegetable soup is not only incredibly delicious and bursting with fresh flavors, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe some friends!) with this comforting classic.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s packed with a rainbow of vegetables, ensuring a boost of nutrients.
• The broth is incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of herbs and spices.
• It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
• It’s easily customizable – add your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a light lunch.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This isn’t just any vegetable soup. The secret lies in the way we layer the flavors. We start with a soffritto of onions, carrots, and celery, which creates a deep, aromatic base. We then use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, which adds depth and complexity that many vegetable soups lack. Finally, a touch of lemon juice at the end brightens the whole thing up, making the flavors sing!

Ingredient List

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups chopped potatoes (I like Yukon Gold)
• 2 cups chopped zucchini
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh Parsley for garnish – Adds freshness and a vibrant final touch.
• Vegetable Broth – Forms the base of our soup and allows the flavor of the vegetables to shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the chopped potatoes, zucchini, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, add the green beans, peas, thyme, rosemary and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the green beans and peas. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the green beans are tender-crisp.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Here are some ideas to take your vegetable soup to the next level:

• A dollop of pesto for extra flavor and richness.
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.
• A swirl of heavy cream for a creamier texture.
• Some crusty bread or croutons for dipping.

Expert Tips

• Don’t rush the soffritto – allowing the onions, carrots, and celery to soften develops a deep base flavor.
• Use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor.
• Taste and season as you go – this ensures the soup is perfectly balanced.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables – they should be tender but not mushy.
• For a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute other vegetables? Yes, absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, kale, or spinach.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this soup? Yes, it freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan? This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Use a vegetable broth that is certified vegan to make it vegan.
• Can I use canned vegetables? Fresh vegetables provide the best flavor, but canned vegetables can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Drain and rinse them before adding.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add protein: Throw in some cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Italian style: Add some pasta or orzo for a minestrone twist.
• Go creamy: Blend in some cooked white beans or a bit of cream for a richer texture.
• Different herbs: Try using basil or oregano instead of thyme and rosemary.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup is a perfect meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread. It’s also great as a starter course for a larger meal. Feel free to get creative with your favorite garnishes.

Conclusion

This vegetable soup is a simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Try it out and let us know how you like it! Share photos of your creation with us, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes!

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• Irresistibly Easy French Onion Soup
• Cozy Up with Delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Discover the Richness of Moroccan Soup

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