There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. For me, cream of vegetable soup is a family favorite that never fails to bring a smile. I remember cozying up on cold winter nights, wrapped in a blanket, with a steaming bowl of this velvety goodness. The combination of fresh vegetables and creamy texture warms you right to your core! It’s not just delicious; it’s like a big hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious cream of vegetable soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables: I love using a colorful mix of carrots, peas, and corn for sweetness and texture. You can use fresh or frozen—whatever you have on hand!
- 1 cup vegetable broth: This forms the flavorful base of the soup. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the soup its luscious, creamy texture. Don’t skimp on this part!
- 1 onion, chopped: A sweet onion adds depth of flavor. Just chop it up nice and small.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch—mince it finely so it distributes well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, giving everything a lovely golden touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning, so don’t forget to adjust to your preference!
How to Prepare Cream of Vegetable Soup
Making cream of vegetable soup is a breeze, and I promise you’ll enjoy every step! It starts with a little prep work, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping this up in no time. First, gather all your ingredients so you don’t have to scramble later—trust me, it makes the process smoother. Now, let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle in your olive oil. Let it warm up for about a minute—just enough to get that lovely aroma going!
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You want that golden color but be careful not to burn the garlic—nobody likes a bitter taste!
- Add mixed vegetables: Now, in go your mixed veggies! Stir them in and let them cook for another 5 minutes. This helps them soften up and release their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth: Next, pour in the vegetable broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld beautifully!
- Stir in the cream: After simmering, it’s time for the star of the show—heavy cream! Stir it in and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a smooth soup, grab your blender and give it a whirl until it’s velvety!
- Serve it up!: Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. It’s perfect with some crusty bread on the side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- Versatile—use whatever veggies you have on hand!
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins from the vegetables.
- Perfect for leftovers, as the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
- Kid-friendly, making it a family favorite for all ages!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to make your cream of vegetable soup absolutely perfect! First, don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the onions and garlic caramelize brings out amazing flavors. If you want a more vibrant soup, try adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten everything up! Also, feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor. And remember, blending the soup is optional, but it really does give that dreamy texture!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional content of your food can be super helpful, especially when you want to enjoy your meals mindfully! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cup of my cream of vegetable soup:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 8g, Unsaturated Fat: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 25g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g)
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your soup guilt-free, knowing it’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients!
FAQ Section
Got questions about cream of vegetable soup? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites—broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers all work wonderfully.
Can I make this soup vegan? Yes, just substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use vegetable broth!
How do I store leftovers? Keep your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze this soup? You can! Just let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as your vegetable broth is gluten-free, you’re all set!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your delicious cream of vegetable soup is super simple! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens up too much, don’t worry! Just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving if you can; it can heat unevenly and affect that lovely creamy texture.
For more information on the health benefits of vegetables, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious soup recipes, you might enjoy this Chinese vegetable soup or this high-protein vegetable soup.
Print
Cream of Vegetable Soup: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting vegetable soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend the soup until smooth, if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cream of vegetable soup
