There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? On those chilly days when the wind is howling outside, I love curling up with a steaming cup of goodness that wraps me in warmth. This vegetable soup recipe is my go-to, packed with vibrant veggies and hearty flavors that make it a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made it on a rainy afternoon; the aroma filled my home, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s not just any soup—it’s a delightful blend of fresh ingredients simmered to perfection, and it fits beautifully into the world of soup recipes that nourish both body and soul. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this comforting vegetable soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup packed corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to play with the quantities based on your preferences—just remember, the more colorful the veggies, the better the soup will be! Enjoy the process of gathering these fresh ingredients, as they set the stage for a delicious meal.
How to Prepare Soup Recipes
Making this vegetable soup is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with warmth! Let’s dive into the steps together.
Step 1: Heating the Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step is super important because it helps to develop the flavors right from the get-go. You want that oil to shimmer and be nice and hot before we add our veggies, so be patient—great things take time!
Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables
Once the oil is ready, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and become fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion turns translucent and everything starts to smell amazing!
Step 3: Adding Aromatics
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Stir these in and let them cook for about 1 minute. This is where the magic happens—garlic and thyme release their wonderful flavors that will make your soup sing!
Step 4: Adding Liquids
Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil. This step is crucial because it ensures that all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 5: Simmering
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This gentle simmering allows the veggies to soften even more and the flavors to deepen, creating that heartwarming taste we all love.
Step 6: Final Additions
After the simmer, add in the chopped green beans and packed corn kernels. Cook for another 10 minutes until those green beans are tender but still vibrant. The color contrast makes your soup so much more inviting!
Step 7: Seasoning and Serving
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to taste as you go—this is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking! Serve it hot, and maybe even top it with some fresh herbs for that extra pop of flavor. Enjoy every warm and comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delicious vegetable soup. Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this wholesome soup knowing it’s packed with nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with healthy, vibrant vegetables that nourish your body.
- A comforting bowl of warmth that warms the soul on chilly days.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
- Vegan-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that make everyone eager to dig in!
Tips for Success
To make this soup recipe absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand—zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach can add a delightful twist. If you prefer a heartier soup, toss in some cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and texture. Also, consider using homemade vegetable broth for a richer flavor. Lastly, let your soup sit for a bit after cooking; it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
Variations
One of the best things about soup recipes is how adaptable they are! You can easily switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge or what you’re craving. For a fun twist, try adding diced potatoes or butternut squash for a heartier base. If you’re a fan of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to give it a kick. You could also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a burst of flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative—each variation can lead to a delightful new bowl of comfort!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover vegetable soup is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later in the week! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your comforting vegetable soup, I love to serve it alongside some crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. There’s just something magical about the combo of soup and bread—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! A simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can also add a refreshing crunch to your meal. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of pesto on top of the soup takes it to another level. Enjoy creating a cozy dining experience that warms both your heart and stomach!
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Soup recipes that heal: 7 comforting bowls to savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting bowl of soup to warm your day.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add green beans and corn. Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Top with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soup recipes
