This Hearty Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy meal, packed with nutritious vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth. Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is both filling and healthy, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you’re having it as a light dinner or serving it as a starter, this vegetable soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to use a variety of seasonal vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and potato into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh green beans, chop them into small segments.
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Sauté the Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Add the Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, corn, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
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Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth. Add the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf (if using), and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
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Simmer:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
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Finish the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf (if used). Stir in the chopped spinach or kale (if using) and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
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Serve:
- Ladle the hearty vegetable soup into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Vitamin A: 5000IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
The Origins and Popularity of Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a staple in many cultures, with variations found across the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people used local vegetables, herbs, and broths to create nourishing meals. The beauty of vegetable soup lies in its versatility—each culture has its own twist on the recipe, depending on the available vegetables, spices, and cooking techniques.
In the United States, vegetable soup became a popular comfort food during the Great Depression, providing an affordable way to use up leftover vegetables and stock. Over time, it became a staple in homes and restaurants alike, offering a healthy and filling option for busy families.
Today, vegetable soup is enjoyed year-round, with seasonal ingredients making it easy to adapt to the time of year. Whether served as a light lunch, a starter, or a main course, vegetable soup remains a beloved dish for its simplicity, heartiness, and health benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a one-pot meal that is both nourishing and delicious. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, it’s a great way to boost your intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The broth is rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of herbs and spices that bring the vegetables to life. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe—you can add your favorite vegetables or use whatever you have on hand. It’s a perfect way to use up seasonal produce while enjoying a hearty, wholesome dish.
Health Benefits of Hearty Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is packed with health benefits. The vegetables provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. The fiber content in the soup promotes digestive health, keeps you feeling full, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Spinach or kale adds a boost of iron and calcium, which are important for healthy bones and muscles. Additionally, the low-fat and low-calorie content make this soup an excellent choice for those looking to eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with a side salad, such as a simple green salad or a roasted vegetable salad, for a more filling meal.
- If you want to add some protein, try serving the soup with a grilled chicken breast or topping it with a hard-boiled egg.
Tips
- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender, then return it to the pot.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
- If you have leftovers, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it freezes well for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Lentil Vegetable Soup: Add 1 cup of dried lentils to the soup to boost its protein and fiber content.
- Italian Vegetable Soup: Add some small pasta like ditalini or orzo and season with Italian seasoning for a hearty, pasta-filled version.
- Spicy Vegetable Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Hearty Vegetable Soup is a comforting, wholesome dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. With a variety of vegetables and a flavorful broth, this soup is both nourishing and filling. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or as part of a meal, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Plus, it’s so easy to customize—add your favorite vegetables or experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this soup. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the soup.
Can I add meat to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, beef, or sausage for added protein. If you want to make the soup even heartier, try adding diced bacon or ham.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian. You can make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any dairy toppings.