Short introduction
Easy Vegetable Soup is a warm and comforting dish packed with colorful vegetables and rich flavors. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days or when you need a quick, healthy option. This soup is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something nutritious without much fuss.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Easy Vegetable Soup not just for its taste but for its benefits too! It is a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, helping you reach your daily nutrient requirements. Plus, it’s naturally low in calories and high in vitamins, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthier. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you can make it in under an hour!
Ingredients
To make Easy Vegetable Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale
Substitutions & key variations
Feel free to customize this soup to your taste! You can swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. For instance, you can use green beans, corn, or even mushrooms. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add cooked beans or lentils. Additionally, using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth will give it a different flavor, although it won’t be vegetarian.
Step-by-step
Step 1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and diced bell pepper. Cook these ingredients for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Step 3
Now, pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 4
Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
After the vegetables are cooked, stir in the spinach or kale. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt.
Step 6
Serve the soup hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Success tips
- Temperature: Ensure your soup simmers gently rather than boiling vigorously to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
- Texture: If you want a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the greens.
- Common mistakes: One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables, making them mushy. Keep an eye on them, and they should be tender but still have some bite.
How to serve
Easy Vegetable Soup is great on its own or paired with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad. You can also serve it in individual bowls with a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs on top for an extra touch.
Storage & reheating
You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens up in the fridge, just add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Easy Vegetable Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months.
2. Can I make this soup with fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried to achieve a similar flavor.
3. How can I make it spicy?
If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
4. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth, this recipe is completely vegan!
5. Can I add protein to the soup?
Certainly! Adding beans, lentils, or even diced chicken will make the soup more filling.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This soup is packed with vitamins A and C, thanks to the colorful variety of vegetables. Each bowl is low in calories while providing essential nutrients, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Easy Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and satisfying dish you can whip up in no time. With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your vegetables, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Hearty Lentil Soup
- Classic Minestrone Soup
- Vegetable Quinoa Soup
Easy Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth Use chicken broth for a different flavor.
- 1 can diced tomatoes Canned for convenience.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 2 cups spinach or kale For added nutrition.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and diced bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
- Stir in the spinach or kale, and cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy!