Cozy Vegetable Soup
Introduction
Warm and nourishing, Cozy Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish for chilly nights. Packed with fresh veggies, lentils, and aromatic seasonings, this soup is a comforting bowl of goodness. As the weather cools down, cozy up with this easy-to-make recipe that provides not just a meal but a feeling of home. Let’s get started on making this delightful soup that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weekdays.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh vegetables and pantry staples.
- Healthy and Filling: A hearty option that satisfies hunger without guilt.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.
- Unbelievably Delicious: A warm hug in a bowl!
Cozy Vegetable Soup stands out due to its rich blend of flavors and the warmth it delivers with every spoonful. It’s the ideal recipe ensuring comfort and satisfaction, making it a favorite for family dinners.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 cups chopped fresh vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, spinach)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- For Flavoring:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For Protein:
- 1 cup lentils or beans (your choice)
- To Taste:
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Cozy Vegetable Soup
- Prep the Veggies: Start by chopping the fresh vegetables into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped veggies and sauté for about 5-6 minutes or until they’re soft.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth and incorporate the lentils or beans. Stir everything together.
- Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, add the bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste & Adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How to Serve Cozy Vegetable Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and consider topping it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or toasted rolls to enhance the meal.
How to Store Cozy Vegetable Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cozy Vegetable Soup
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: The fresher the veggies, the better the flavor.
- Add More Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices for a more personalized taste.
- Mix and Match: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. This recipe is very flexible!
Variations
- Add Protein: You can include diced chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for richness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well too. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not use any flour or products containing gluten.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Just cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Conclusion
Cozy Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and warming dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its delightful mix of fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your own variations on social media—what unique ingredients did you add? Let us know below!
Print
Cozy Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm and nourishing, Cozy Vegetable Soup is packed with fresh veggies, lentils, and aromatic seasonings, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, spinach)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup lentils or beans (your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by chopping the fresh vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped veggies and sauté for about 5-6 minutes or until they’re soft.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and incorporate the lentils or beans. Stir everything together.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, add the bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
