Vegetable Soup

Are you looking for a warm and hearty dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrition? Look no further than vegetable soup! This delightful mix of fresh vegetables comes together to create a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main dish, this vegetable soup will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days; it comes together in no time.
Simple Ingredients: Uses fresh veggies and pantry staples.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber.
Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies.
Comforting & Delicious: A warm bowl of soup is always satisfying.

This vegetable soup stands out due to its balance of flavors and textures. It’s reliable comfort food that can easily impress your guests.

Ingredients Needed

For the soup base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the main ingredients:

1 zucchini, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For seasoning:

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Vegetable Soup

Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. This builds a great flavor base.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped zucchini, bell pepper, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Incorporate the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper as well.
Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the vegetable soup hot, paired with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until hot.

Helpful Notes

For added protein, consider adding other beans or lentils.
You can replace any of the vegetables with seasonal options like sweet potatoes or green beans.
Spice it up with a dash of red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Conclusion

Vegetable soup is a winner for its simplicity and deliciousness. It brings together nutritious ingredients that create comfort in a bowl. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and a star rating below! We’d love to hear how your soup turned out. Share your version on social media—what vegetables did you choose to use?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative and still offer great flavor and nutrition. Just add them in the same way you would fresh veggies.

Is this soup vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are plant-based, making this soup perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

Can I freeze vegetable soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.