Vegetable Soup Recipe

A classic vegetable soup is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Here’s a simple recipe for a hearty and delicious vegetable soup:

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional for added heartiness)
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop all your vegetables so they are ready to go. The more uniform your chopping, the better they will cook evenly.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potato (if using), and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to bring out the flavors in the vegetables.
4. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re using frozen peas or spinach, add them about 5 minutes before the soup is done to warm through.
6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Optional garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Customization:

• Add protein: To make this soup heartier, you can add beans (like cannellini, chickpeas, or kidney beans), lentils, or small pasta like orzo.
• Herb variations: Feel free to swap in other herbs such as rosemary, basil, or a bit of bay leaf for more flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Greens: Kale, swiss chard, or collard greens also work wonderfully if you want to add more greens to the soup.

Storage:

This vegetable soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just let it cool completely before freezing and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Would you like any additional suggestions for variations or tips on making it even more flavorful?