This vegetable soup is a delightful mix of fresh, vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly nights or as a hearty lunch, this recipe showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients while providing a cozy and comforting meal. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s an excellent choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This vegetable soup is loaded with vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a warm bowl of soup ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use what’s in season for endless variations.
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a rich, satisfying taste that warms the soul.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for quick meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Provides ample space for all the ingredients to cook evenly without spilling over.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- Garlic press: Easily crushes garlic cloves to release their full flavor, making it quick to add to your dish.
Ingredients
This hot and comforting vegetable soup is coziness in a bowl, brimming with healthy, vibrant veggies in a rich broth infused with herbs!
For the Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 2 leeks (white part only), quartered and sliced thinly
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced small
- 3 parsnips, peeled and diced small
- 3 celery ribs, diced small
- 2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small
- Salt
- Black pepper
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
For the Broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and seeded, finely diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
For the Finishing Touches
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Small squeeze of lemon
How to Make Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering and prepping all of your ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Place a medium-large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add in the ghee or butter along with the olive oil. Once melted together:
Add in the leeks, carrots, parsnips, celery, and diced potatoes.
Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Cook together for about 3–4 minutes until they begin to become slightly translucent.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Add the Italian seasoning and dried parsley along with the garlic:
Stir those ingredients in until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth
Add tomatoes followed by the vegetable or chicken stock:
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat so that the soup gently simmers.
Cover and let cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender but still have some bite.
Step 5: Finish Up
Turn off the heat on the soup:
Stir in peas, kale, chopped parsley, and a small squeeze of lemon.
Taste to see if any additional salt or pepper is needed before serving.
This delicious vegetable soup serves up warmth in every bowl! Enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Serve Vegetable Soup
Serving vegetable soup can be a delightful experience. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in many ways, enhancing its flavor and presentation.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your vegetable soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough works wonderfully to soak up the broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro on top of each bowl. This not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor.
With a Dollop of Pesto
- Add a spoonful of pesto for an extra layer of richness. The nutty and herby flavors complement the vegetable soup perfectly.
Served with Cheese
- Grate some parmesan or sprinkle feta cheese on top for a savory finish. This adds creaminess that balances the soup’s freshness.
Accompanied by Salad
- A light green salad served alongside can provide a refreshing contrast. Consider a simple vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.
How to Perfect Vegetable Soup
To elevate your vegetable soup to the next level, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Using seasonal, fresh vegetables enhances both flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as it cooks; adjust salt and pepper for optimal seasoning.
- Use Quality Broth: A rich vegetable or chicken broth forms the base of your soup, so choose one that is flavorful.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like cumin or paprika for added depth.
- Add Texture: Consider incorporating grains like quinoa or barley for more texture and heartiness in your soup.
- Garnish Wisely: Top with avocado slices or croutons just before serving for an appealing presentation and added texture.
Best Side Dishes for Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic combination provides gooey cheese goodness that contrasts beautifully with hot soup.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes for excellent dunking while adding robust flavor.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a refreshing balance to warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add earthy flavors, making them a perfect companion.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa, adding protein and substance alongside your soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful touch to each spoonful of savory vegetable soup.
- Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach salad provides freshness and complements the cooked vegetables in the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer texture contrast while being hearty enough to fill you up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making vegetable soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Season throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can result in mushy texture. Aim for tenderness while still keeping a slight bite.
- Using low-quality broth – The broth is the base of your soup. Use a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth to enhance overall taste.
- Neglecting fresh herbs – Missing out on fresh herbs can reduce flavor complexity. Always add fresh herbs at the end for a bright finish.
- Ignoring ingredient prep – Failing to prep ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all veggies are cut uniformly for consistent texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover vegetable soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vegetable Soup
- To freeze, use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Vegetable Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making vegetable soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
What vegetables are best for vegetable soup?
You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and greens. Seasonal veggies often add great flavor!
Can I make vegetable soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Opt for vegetable broth and load up on all kinds of veggies and legumes for protein.
How long does vegetable soup last?
When stored properly in the fridge, vegetable soup lasts about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Is this vegetable soup recipe healthy?
Yes! This vegetable soup is packed with vitamins from various vegetables and is low in calories while being filling.
Can I customize my vegetable soup?
Yes! Feel free to add grains like quinoa or pasta, or even beans for added protein and variety.
Final Thoughts
This comforting vegetable soup recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or grains to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!
Vegetable Soup
Warm up with a bowl of Vegetable Soup, the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This hearty recipe features a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth, delivering both flavor and nutrition. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this veggie-packed dish is easy to customize with seasonal ingredients, ensuring a unique taste every time. Packed with vitamins and minerals, each bowl offers warmth and satisfaction while being quick to prepare. Perfect for meal prep, this soup can be enjoyed throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 2 leeks (white part only), quartered and sliced thinly
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced small
- 3 parsnips, peeled and diced small
- 3 celery ribs, diced small
- 2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and diced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup kale, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients as per the list.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt ghee with olive oil. Add leeks, carrots, parsnips, celery, and potatoes; season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Stir in peas, kale, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
