Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about a homemade soup recipe! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those cozy evenings or when you just need a little comfort food. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—seriously, you can have a delicious pot of soup simmering on your stove in no time. Plus, you can totally make it your own! Want to throw in some extra veggies or herbs? Go for it! The best part is that you can adjust it to suit your taste buds. Trust me, once you try making this soup, you’ll be hooked on the delightful aroma and the scrumptious flavors filling your kitchen. It’s a simple, yet satisfying way to bring joy to your table!
Ingredients for Homemade Soup Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting homemade soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, corn, and green beans)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients are not only easy to find, but they also come together to create a deliciously hearty soup that you’ll want to make again and again!
How to Prepare Homemade Soup Recipe
Now let’s dive into the easy and enjoyable process of making this homemade soup! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling pot of goodness in no time. Get ready for some delicious smells wafting through your kitchen!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook them until they’re softened, about 5–7 minutes. You’ll love how the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s like a welcoming hug already!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it in, cooking for another minute. You want that garlic to get fragrant without burning—keep an eye on it! Now, pour in the 6 cups of vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (make sure to include all that delicious juice!). Stir everything together and get ready for the flavor explosion!
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to season things up! Sprinkle in the teaspoon of dried thyme, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time is key—it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and create a comforting bowl of soup.
Step 4: Add Mixed Vegetables
After your soup has simmered, it’s time to add the star of the show: the mixed vegetables! Stir in 2 cups of your favorite veggies—like peas, corn, and green beans—and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes. This is where your soup gets that vibrant color and extra goodness!
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Before you serve, don’t forget to remove that bay leaf—it’s not meant to be eaten! Now, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful touch. And voila! You’ve just made a heartwarming homemade soup that’s ready to be enjoyed. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soup Recipe
- Quick to make: You can whip up this soup in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, anyone can create this comforting dish.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours—there’s no wrong way to do it!
- Healthy choice: Packed with veggies and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing for your body.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch, store it in the fridge or freezer, and have a tasty meal ready whenever you need it!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your homemade soup turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have vegetable broth? No problem! You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or even water in a pinch. And if you’re out of thyme, fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano work beautifully too!
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup as it simmers. You might want to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate—everyone has different preferences!
- Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your mixed vegetables! Broccoli, zucchini, or even spinach can add a delicious twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times for firmer veggies.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: The simmering time is crucial for flavor development, so don’t rush it! Letting the soup bubble away encourages all those wonderful tastes to blend together.
- Leftover Magic: This soup is perfect for leftovers! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it covered in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a homemade soup pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown of this delightful homemade soup recipe. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This nutritious soup is not only a comforting choice but also an excellent way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy every spoonful knowing it’s good for you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it seems a bit thick after being stored, you can always add a splash of broth or water to get it to your desired consistency.
If you want to keep some for longer, this soup also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or even freezer bags, and pop it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re craving a bowl, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat as mentioned before. You’ll have a comforting, homemade meal ready to warm your heart all over again!
FAQ About Homemade Soup Recipe
Got questions about making this delicious homemade soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear all the time, along with my answers to help you along your cooking journey.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work wonderfully in this soup. If you have a garden or a local market, go for it. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this homemade soup recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the labels on your vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
How can I make this soup more filling?
If you want to bulk it up, consider adding some cooked pasta or rice. Quinoa also makes a great addition and adds a nice texture. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just sauté the veggies in a pan first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours. It’s a great way to have it ready when you come home!
What if I don’t have a bay leaf?
Don’t sweat it! If you don’t have a bay leaf, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of dried basil or oregano for a different flavor profile. It’ll still taste amazing!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you’re looking to add a kick, try including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat!
Can I use canned vegetables instead of fresh or frozen?
Sure thing! Just remember to drain and rinse them to cut down on sodium. Add them toward the end of cooking to avoid making them mushy. You’ll still have a tasty soup!
How long will this soup last in the fridge?
This homemade soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. I bet you’ll be tempted to eat it all before that, though!
For more delicious recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or this high-protein vegetable soup recipe for more comforting options!
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Homemade Soup Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple homemade soup recipe that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, green beans)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade soup recipe
