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As the days grow colder and the nights longer, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Vegetable Soup to nourish the body and soul. Packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors, this soup is not only a feast for the senses but also a comforting hug in a bowl. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s the perfect remedy for chilly evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegetable Soup is a delightful blend of hearty ingredients like potatoes, corn, green beans, and carrots, all simmered in a savory chicken broth. It’s versatile enough to use whatever vegetables are in season, making it an excellent choice for clearing out the fridge. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
- 2 cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 5)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (about 3 stalks)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 3 cups peeled and 1/2-inch thick diced potatoes (from about 3 medium)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chopped frozen or fresh green beans
- 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 minutes. Then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds longer.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then add green beans.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are almost fully tender, about 20–30 minutes. Add corn and peas and cook for 5 minutes longer. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- For more flavor, feel free to add additional dried herbs like basil, oregano, marjoram, or Italian seasoning.
- Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially if using low-sodium broth.
Additional Tips and Variations
This soup is highly adaptable. Consider adding different vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for variety. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories, protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh vegetables make this soup a healthy choice. Depending on the specific vegetables used, the nutritional content can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- How can I make it creamier? For a creamier texture, consider blending half of the soup and then mixing it back into the pot.
In conclusion, this Vegetable Soup is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious, warming meal that’s easy to prepare. Give it a try, and don’t forget to pair it with some toasted garlic bread or a fresh salad. We would love to hear about your experience, so please share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with!
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