Easy Vegetable Soup
This Easy Vegetable Soup recipe is a wholesome, comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, this soup delivers on flavor and nourishment. With its vibrant mix of vegetables and simple preparation, it stands out as a go-to recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or grains to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of herbs and spices enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy vegetable soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows you to sauté vegetables and simmer the soup without spills.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving soup into bowls without making a mess.
Ingredients
This easy vegetable soup recipe is packed with delicious flavor and uses the simplest vegetables to their full potential! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium onion (diced)
– 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
– 3 celery ribs (sliced)
– 4 garlic cloves (minced)
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 3 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
– 1 ½ cups chopped fresh green beans
– 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
– 2 bay leaves
– 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (depending on how brothy you’d like it)
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add More Veggies
- Include the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, bay leaves, and broth.
- Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Add the Frozen Veggies
- Stir in the corn and peas.
- Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Serve
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Ladle the vegetable soup into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Soup
Serving Easy Vegetable Soup can transform a simple meal into a delightful experience. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with various accompaniments, there are plenty of ways to elevate this dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the freshness of the soup beautifully.
Topped with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that enhances the soup’s taste.
As a Main Dish
- With Grains: Serve the soup over cooked quinoa or rice for added texture and heartiness.
- In a Bread Bowl: Hollowed-out sourdough bread makes for an impressive and tasty serving option.
Accompanied by Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkling grated Parmesan on top adds richness and depth.
- Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, add crumbled feta cheese right before serving.
How to Perfect Easy Vegetable Soup
Perfecting Easy Vegetable Soup is about enhancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh produce ensures maximum flavor and nutrition in your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- Allow for Steeping Time: Letting the soup sit after cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for best flavor retention.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegetable Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Vegetable Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that adds comfort and satisfaction to your meal.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies complement the soup’s flavors while adding extra nutrients.
- Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains or proteins, these make a hearty side that aligns well with the soup’s freshness.
- Pita Chips with Hummus: Crunchy pita chips dipped in hummus add texture and flavor variety.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed side that can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Vegetable Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some crucial tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.
- Not prepping ingredients properly: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking. If they’re cut differently, some may become mushy while others remain hard.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cook vegetables just until tender. Overcooked veggies lose their texture and flavor, so keep an eye on them during cooking.
- Ignoring seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and spices to enhance the flavors.
- Skipping the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can result in bland soup. Always opt for low-sodium or homemade broth for better taste.
- Adding frozen ingredients too early: Frozen veggies should be added at the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Stir them in just a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing Easy Vegetable Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in containers, as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Easy Vegetable Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute increments, stirring between each until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Vegetable Soup:
How do I make my Easy Vegetable Soup even healthier?
You can add more vegetables or substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. Adding leafy greens like spinach at the end boosts nutrition.
Can I use canned vegetables in Easy Vegetable Soup?
Yes! Canned vegetables can save time. Just remember to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium content before adding them to your soup.
What’s the best way to customize Easy Vegetable Soup?
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Add beans for protein or different herbs for varied flavors!
How do I thicken my Easy Vegetable Soup?
To thicken, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). This will give it a heartier texture.
Can I make Easy Vegetable Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegetable Soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this comforting recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that everyone will love!
Easy Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Discover the joy of a wholesome bowl of Easy Vegetable Soup, a comforting dish that brings together fresh, vibrant vegetables in a hearty broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a nourishing lunch option, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste buds. With just a handful of healthy ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a delicious soup that warms the soul and satisfies the whole family. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery ribs (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh green beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces each)
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Juice of 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in corn and peas; cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
