Favorite Soup Recipe: A Wholesome Comfort in Just 30 Minutes
Short introduction
Favorite Soup is a delightful blend of vegetables and flavors that warms you up inside. It’s the perfect dish for chilly days, quick weeknight dinners, or when you simply crave something comforting. With wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, this soup is not just tasty but also nourishing.
Why you’ll love it
There are many reasons to love this Favorite Soup! First, it’s packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, making it a great source of vitamins and minerals. Second, it’s easily customizable. You can add meat or beans for protein or switch out veggies based on what you have on hand. Additionally, this recipe is quick—ready in about 30 minutes—so it fits well into busy lifestyles. Lastly, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is nothing short of heavenly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked chicken pieces or beans for protein
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily modify this soup according to your preferences or what you have in your pantry. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add chickpeas or lentils for protein. Feel free to swap out the vegetables; zucchini, spinach, or peas work well too. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Step-by-step
Step 1
In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in a dash of olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
Step 2
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat until it reaches a boil.
Step 4
Once boiling, add the diced potatoes and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding chicken or beans, stir them in now and heat the soup until everything is warmed through.
Success tips
To make sure your Favorite Soup turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- If you like a thicker soup, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot.
- Be cautious with salt; if your broth is already salty, adjust accordingly.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand; they enhance the flavors beautifully.
How to serve
Serve your Favorite Soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, if desired. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until hot. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Favorite Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when simmering the vegetables.
3. Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add plant-based proteins like lentils or beans.
4. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen vegetables. Just remember to add them in a bit later during the cooking process since they are usually pre-cooked.
5. What can I add to make the soup heartier?
You can add beans, lentils, or cooked grains like rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This Favorite Soup is low in calories but high in fiber, especially if you include beans. Each serving provides a good amount of vitamins A and C from the vegetables, and if you add protein, it becomes even more balanced.
Conclusion
Making your own Favorite Soup is simple, satisfying, and full of goodness. With its quick preparation and delightful taste, it’s a perfect dish year-round. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make enough for leftovers!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Vegetable Soup
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Lentil and Spinach Soup
Favorite Soup
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 2 cups chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the potatoes.
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust based on the saltiness of the broth.
Optional protein additions
- Cooked chicken pieces or beans These can be added for extra protein.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in a dash of olive oil until they are soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat until it reaches a boil.
- Once boiling, add the diced potatoes and dried thyme. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you're adding chicken or beans, stir them in and heat the soup until everything is warmed through.