Description

This classic vegetable soup is a warm, nourishing dish made from fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your preferences, and packed with essential vitamins and fiber, making it perfect for cozy meals any day of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Vegetables

2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

Broth or Stock

6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Garlic and Herbs

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 bay leaves

Tomatoes

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Leafy Greens

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and chop all fresh vegetables including carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and any additional veggies into consistent bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a better texture.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning and to maximize aroma.
Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in your broth or stock, then add potatoes, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Add Leafy Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking just until wilted to keep the greens vibrant and retain nutrients.
Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with optional garnishes or side dishes.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor.
Add leafy greens at the end to preserve their color and nutrients.
Adjust salt and pepper towards the end to avoid over-seasoning.
Sauté onions and garlic first to develop deeper flavors.
Simmer the soup gently to develop richer flavors and tender textures.
To add a spicy kick, include red chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
For extra protein, add cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken.
Substitute greens like Swiss chard, collard greens, or arugula if preferred.
Incorporate cooked whole grains like barley, farro, or brown rice for added texture.
Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to vary the flavor profile.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water if too thick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: vegetable soup, healthy soup, easy soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, cozy meal, homemade soup, nutritious soup