Ingredients

To prepare this hearty vegetable soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 10 stalks celery, chopped
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 3 onions, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• 2 quarts tomato juice
• 2 (16-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
• 1 (14-ounce) can beef broth
• Cold water, to cover vegetables
• 1 (1-ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix

Steps: How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup

Making this hearty vegetable soup is straightforward, and the result is a pot full of flavor and comfort. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Slice the celery stalks, peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, dice the onions, and chop the cabbage into small pieces. Remove the seeds and stems from the green bell peppers and dice them into small cubes.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot:

In a large stockpot or soup pot, add all of the chopped vegetables—celery, carrots, onions, bell peppers, and cabbage. Then, add the drained can of green beans, followed by the tomato juice, whole peeled tomatoes (with their liquid), and beef broth. The tomatoes will break down during cooking, adding to the soup’s depth of flavor.

3. Add Cold Water:

Pour in enough cold water to cover the vegetables and liquid ingredients. This helps to balance the flavors and ensures that the vegetables have enough room to cook properly.

4. Season the Soup:

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix into the pot. This packet of seasoning will infuse the soup with additional savory flavors, enhancing the overall taste. Stir the mixture gently to make sure the soup mix is well-distributed.

5. Bring to a Boil:

Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer.

6. Simmer the Soup:

Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This gives the vegetables time to soften and the flavors to meld together. If the soup looks too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

7. Taste and Adjust:

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other spices you like. For a touch of heat, you could add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes a large pot of soup, providing about 8-10 servings, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for a family meal or for batch cooking if you want to have leftovers for the week.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

While the exact nutrition values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, here’s a general estimate for a single serving:

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Hearty Vegetable Soup has remained a favorite for generations due to its simplicity, versatility, and nourishing qualities. This recipe is a true comfort food, one that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s the kind of soup you can make with ingredients you already have in your kitchen, making it a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying meal without needing special trips to the grocery store.

One of the reasons this soup is so beloved is its adaptability. You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. If you’re out of green beans, you can swap them for peas or corn. Want to add more protein? Throw in some cooked chicken, ground beef, or beans. The beauty of this soup is that it can be tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences, and you can add or subtract ingredients without affecting the final outcome too much.

Moreover, this soup is an excellent way to pack in a variety of vegetables into one meal. From the fiber-rich cabbage to the vitamin-packed carrots and the antioxidant-rich tomatoes, this soup is full of nutrients that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.

This recipe is also timeless because of the comforting nature of soup itself. Soup is a food that’s been enjoyed for centuries, providing warmth and satisfaction during colder months, and offering a nourishing, easy-to-digest meal. Whether it’s a cold winter day or a breezy spring afternoon, this vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food to have on hand.

Tips for Making the Best Hearty Vegetable Soup

1. Use Fresh Vegetables: While canned vegetables work in a pinch, fresh vegetables always yield the best flavor. If you can, use seasonal produce to make your soup even more flavorful.
2. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup once it’s cooked. This will create a creamier texture while still keeping the hearty vegetables intact.
3. Don’t Skip the Onion Soup Mix: The dry onion soup mix is what gives this soup its deep, savory flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient—if you want to avoid using the packet, you can substitute it with sautéed onions, garlic, and other seasonings, but it won’t be quite the same.
4. Make It Spicy: If you like your soup with a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It will give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
5. Add Some Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked ground beef, turkey, or even beans for an extra boost of protein.
6. Let the Soup Rest: Soup always tastes better the next day. After the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight to allow the flavors to meld even more.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
• Freezer: If you’d like to store the soup for a longer period, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

• Yes! If you prefer a lighter soup or want to make it vegetarian, chicken broth or vegetable broth will work just as well. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

• Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great option if you don’t have fresh veggies on hand. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

3. Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

• Yes! Simply swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and avoid using any meat-based add-ins like sausage or beef. The soup will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the variety of vegetables and seasonings.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

• Yes, you can! Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The vegetables will become tender and flavorful with the slow cooking process.

Conclusion

Hearty Vegetable Soup is a recipe that checks all the boxes—it’s nutritious, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a satisfying bowl of soup, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s a dish that’s flexible, customizable, and perfect for any time of year. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this timeless soup. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come