There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, isn’t there? Soups are the ultimate comfort food, especially when they’re packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty flavors. This hearty vegetable soup is not only a feast for the senses but also loaded with nutrients, making it a stellar choice for a healthy meal. Trust me, the combination of fresh veggies simmered in aromatic broth is like a hug for your insides! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a chilly evening or when you need a quick, nutritious dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how deliciously satisfying it is—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nourishing bowl of soup that warms the heart and soul!
Ingredients List
Getting your ingredients ready is the first step to creating this delicious soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your base for sautéing the vegetables and adds a lovely richness.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion, diced finely, will bring sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 carrots, diced: Fresh carrots, cut into small pieces, add a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Chopped celery adds a refreshing crunch and complements the other veggies.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic kick that’s hard to resist!
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option; it’s the heart of your soup!
- 1 can diced tomatoes: These add acidity and a burst of flavor; don’t forget to drain them if you prefer a thicker soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that enhances the savory profile of your soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant touch that complements the tomatoes.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and is packed with nutrients!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your liking!
How to Prepare Soups
Making this delicious vegetable soup is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Here’s how to get it done:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it to shimmer but not smoke—just a few minutes will do!
- Once the oil is ready, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re softened and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Wow, you’ll love that aroma!
- Now, add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring everything to a lively boil. Don’t rush this part; let the flavors mingle!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 15 minutes. This is the perfect time to let those flavors deepen.
- After simmering, stir in the chopped spinach, followed by salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts down. It’s looking good, right?
- Finally, ladle your warm, nourishing soup into bowls and serve hot. You did it!
Trust me, the satisfaction of making this soup from scratch is unbeatable. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a nourishing bowl of warmth, packed with fresh vegetables and nutrients.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Great for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better the next day!
- Vegetarian and customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To make sure your vegetable soup turns out absolutely delicious, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh vegetables if you can. They pack more flavor and nutrients, making your soup even better. Don’t rush the sautéing process; allowing the onions, carrots, and celery to soften properly builds a fantastic base of flavor! Oh, and taste as you go—this way, you can adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want a heartier soup, consider adding beans or lentils; they not only boost nutrition but also make it more filling. Lastly, let your soup sit for a bit before serving if you can. This resting time allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
Variations of Soups
The beauty of this vegetable soup is how easily it can be customized to fit your cravings! For a protein boost, try adding a can of drained and rinsed beans, like chickpeas or white beans—they’ll make your soup heartier and more filling. If you’re a fan of vibrant flavors, toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added crunch and color. You could also switch up the greens; kale or Swiss chard are fantastic alternatives to spinach. And hey, if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious vegetable soup is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You’ll love how the flavors have developed even more!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for this hearty vegetable soup! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, with 4g of protein, and 5g of sugar. It’s also packed with 5g of fiber, making it a great choice for a filling meal. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. Always feel free to tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I add meat to this vegetable soup? Yes, you can! Adding cooked chicken or turkey can make it heartier. Just stir it in after the soup has simmered.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth? No worries! You can use water in a pinch, but I recommend enhancing the flavor with a bit of soy sauce or miso paste.
How can I make this soup spicier? If you like a kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the vegetables. It’ll bring up the heat!
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, it is! Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free, and you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegetable soup is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! Serve it alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some buttery garlic bread for dipping—nothing beats that combo! You could also pair it with a fresh side salad, drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette, to brighten up your meal. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, these sides will elevate your soup experience to a whole new level!
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Soups That Warm the Soul: 7 Delicious Recipes Inside
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty vegetable soup packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can add beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soups, vegetable soup, healthy soup
