Easy Vegetable Soup
This easy vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a gathering with friends. Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty flavors, this recipe is not only nutritious but also incredibly simple to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies, making it a versatile dish that never gets old.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious homemade soup ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and Italian seasoning creates a rich and savory flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This soup is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. This soup tastes even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to make this easy vegetable soup.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows you to sauté ingredients evenly while providing ample space for simmering the soup.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through vegetables, making your prep work quicker and safer.
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.
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery ribs (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Hearty Additions
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh green beans
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
Broth & Frozen Vegetables
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (depending on how brothy you’d like it)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
Finishing Touches
- 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 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; sauté for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add More Veggies
- Stir in the potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Add the Frozen Veggies
- Add the corn and peas; stir well.
- Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Serve
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.
- Ladle the vegetable soup into bowls and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Soup
Serving Easy Vegetable Soup is a delightful way to enjoy a warm, comforting dish. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your soup experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with slices of crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread for extra flavor.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and taste.
- Grated Cheese: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese for richness.
Salad Pairings
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the flavors of the soup well.
- Mixed Greens: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
Additional Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and tang.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, drizzle hot sauce over their bowl.
How to Perfect Easy Vegetable Soup
To make your Easy Vegetable Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the soup’s taste.
- Use seasonal veggies: Incorporate vegetables that are in season for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust broth quantity: Tailor the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your desired thickness.
- Simmer longer for depth: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps develop richer flavors.
- Blend if desired: For a creamier texture, blend part or all of the soup before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Vegetable Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Vegetable Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic choice that’s perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet and savory cornbread adds a delightful twist.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein and texture contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers complement the soup beautifully.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make an excellent crunchy side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Vegetable Soup, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the sauté: Sautéing the vegetables first enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step; it’s key to a delicious soup.
- Using too much salt: Salt can easily overpower your soup. Start with less, and add more as needed during cooking.
- Overcooking vegetables: Overcooked veggies turn mushy. Aim for just fork-tender potatoes and beans for the best texture.
- Ignoring the broth quality: The broth is the base of your soup. Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a more balanced flavor.
- Not adjusting acidity: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness. Don’t forget this step; it elevates the overall taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Vegetable Soup
- Freeze in portions for easy future meals.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Easy Vegetable Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir occasionally and heat until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Vegetable Soup:
Can I customize my Easy Vegetable Soup?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
How long does Easy Vegetable Soup last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts up to 5 days. If frozen, it can keep for up to 3 months.
What vegetables work best in Easy Vegetable Soup?
Common choices include carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and tomatoes. Feel free to mix it up!
Is this Easy Vegetable Soup vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it uses vegetable broth and no meat products.
Can I make Easy Vegetable Soup ahead of time?
Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegetable Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week or when you’re feeling under the weather. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of warmth!
Easy Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Description
Experience the warmth and comfort of Easy Vegetable Soup, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Bursting with vibrant seasonal vegetables and rich flavors, this nutritious soup is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a hearty bowl that’s ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep for busy days ahead. Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs to make it uniquely yours. Each spoonful is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, making it a wholesome option that everyone will love.
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 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh lemon juice and parsley for finishing touches
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add corn and peas; stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
