This Hearty Vegetable Potato Soup is a nutritious and comforting meal, packed with potatoes, celery, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- Water (enough to cover potatoes, about 4 cups)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or more water)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- Place diced potatoes in a pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, celery, carrots, and bell pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in vegetable broth and cooked potatoes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Blend (Optional)
- For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend half the soup.
- For a chunky texture, leave it as is.
5. Final Seasoning & Serve
- Stir in lemon juice for freshness (optional).
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or crackers.
- Pair with a side salad or grilled cheese sandwich.
- Top with Parmesan cheese, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cooking Tips
- For extra creaminess, blend fully or add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk.
- For added protein, stir in chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken.
- For a spicier version, add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber and vitamins from vegetables.
- Low in fat and calories.
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Dietary Information
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Can be made dairy-free with coconut milk instead of cream
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on stove over medium heat or microwave for 2 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy, quick, and budget-friendly
✔ Comforting and packed with flavor
✔ Great for meal prep and leftovers
✔ Customizable with different vegetables and spices
Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Potato Soup is nutritious, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you want a warming dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this soup is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any season. Try it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead? Yes! They add a natural sweetness.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Try zucchini, corn, or spinach.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes! It adds extra richness.
- How do I make it creamier? Blend more of the soup or add heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Can I make it spicy? Yes! Add cayenne, chili flakes, or a diced jalapeño.
- How do I make it thicker? Simmer longer or mash some potatoes into the broth.
- Can I add protein? Yes! Shredded chicken, beans, or tofu work well.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes! No need to thaw before adding.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The flavors improve the next day.
- What’s the best way to serve it? With a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs for added flavor.