Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

I’ve always found comfort in a bowl of homemade vegetable soup. When my children were young, I would make a big pot of it whenever we needed a warm meal on a cold day or just wanted something healthy and satisfying. The beauty of vegetable soup is that it’s so versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and the flavors always come together beautifully.

I’ve made countless variations of vegetable soup over the years, and I’ve learned that it’s one of those recipes that you can’t go wrong with. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and everyone loves it. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables in one bowl. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this soup is perfect for any occasion.

Servings	Total
6	1hr

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I learned how to make vegetable soup from my mom, who would often make it for dinner during the colder months. She had a way of taking whatever vegetables were in the fridge and turning them into a delicious, hearty soup. I watched her closely, and after many years of making my own versions, I’ve come up with my favorite combination of vegetables and seasoning. It’s one of those timeless, simple dishes that always feels like home.

Why Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is an excellent choice for several reasons. Not only is it an easy and comforting meal, but it’s also a great way to clean out your fridge and use up leftover vegetables. The soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s naturally low in fat, and you can adjust the seasonings to your taste. The versatility of this soup means that no two batches are ever the same, and it’s always a family favorite.

What is Vegetable Soup Made of?

Homemade vegetable soup is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, filling meal:

• Vegetables – A variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and green beans are the foundation of the soup.
• Broth – Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth creates the base for the soup and adds depth of flavor.
• Herbs and spices – Seasonings such as garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and salt and pepper are used to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Olive oil – To sauté the vegetables and start building the soup’s flavor.
• Optional ingredients – You can add beans, corn, peas, or leafy greens to make the soup even more nutritious and filling.

What to Have with Vegetable Soup

While vegetable soup is satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty bread – Ideal for dipping into the soup and soaking up the broth.
• Grilled cheese sandwich – A classic pairing that kids and adults alike will love.
• Side salad – A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
• Cheese – Adding a little shredded cheese on top of the soup adds extra flavor and texture.

Is Vegetable Soup Healthy?

Yes, vegetable soup is a very healthy option. It’s loaded with vitamins and fiber from the various vegetables, and it’s low in fat and calories. If you want to make it even healthier, you can use low-sodium broth or add more leafy greens like spinach or kale. The great thing about this soup is that it’s naturally nutritious, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

• Large pot for cooking the soup
• Knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons for seasonings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup spinach, kale, or peas for added nutrition

How To Make Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the chopped carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to release their natural sweetness and enhance the soup’s base flavor.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Tomatoes

Stir in the diced potatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Pour in the 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. This adds a rich depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Optional Greens

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the 1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen). If you’d like to boost the nutrition, add 1 cup of spinach, kale, or peas at this stage. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to cook through while keeping their texture.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a final taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or an extra dash of thyme if needed. If you prefer a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few pulses.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm vegetable soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips

• Add more vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or parsnips to make the soup even more filling.
• Make it a meal – If you want to make the soup heartier, you can add beans or cooked chicken.
• Freeze leftovers – Vegetable soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, vegetable soup can be made a day ahead. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work perfectly in this soup and can save time if you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients to the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Homemade vegetable soup is the perfect meal to enjoy any time of the year. It’s comforting, nutritious, and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this soup is always a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make and full of healthy ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!

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