Cozy, Homemade Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

As winter’s chill settles in, a comforting hearty vegetable soup recipe warms every corner of your kitchen.

Packed with vibrant seasonal produce and rich, robust flavors, this soup promises nourishment in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of vegetables simmer gently in a savory broth, creating a melody of textures and tastes.

Each ingredient tells a story of comfort and wholesome goodness.

Nutritious and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms simple vegetables into a soul-warming meal.

The aroma fills your home with warmth and anticipation.

Let this hearty vegetable soup become your go-to comfort meal on chilly evenings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 95 kcal

Servings: 7

Veggie-Packed Goodness: What to Use in Your Vegetable Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that builds depth in the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic kick that enhances overall vegetable taste.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy undertone and crisp texture.

• Potatoes: Adds creamy texture and makes the soup more filling.
• Zucchini: Offers a mild, fresh flavor and tender consistency.
• Green Beans: Provides a crisp bite and bright green color.
• Corn: Introduces sweet kernels and pleasant pop of texture.
• Peas: Contributes delicate sweetness and soft roundness.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy base and adds vibrant acidity.
• Vegetable Broth: Delivers robust vegetable flavor and necessary liquid.
• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.
• Thyme: Infuses earthy, slightly minty herbal notes.
• Basil: Brings fresh, aromatic Mediterranean-style flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Adds subtle complexity and traditional soup depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish with fresh herbal finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish for extra savory richness.

Soup Tools That Keep You Sane and Mess-Free

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable chopping and dicing.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into individual bowls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Simmer a Pot of Vegetable Soup From Scratch

• Kickstart the Flavor Burst

Warm up olive oil in a big cooking pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, crushed garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Dance these veggies around for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release their delightful aroma.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth with a splash of water. Tumble in diced potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh thyme, basil, and drop in a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Crank up the heat until the mixture bubbles, then dial it down to a gentle simmer. Cover and let everything mingle for 20 minutes.

• Final Veggie

Introduce sweet corn and petite peas to the party. Let them swim and soften for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are wonderfully tender.

• Serve With Love

Fish out the bay leaf. Ladle the steaming soup into cozy bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, crown your creation with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a shower of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty, vegetable-packed masterpiece!

Spice It Up or Keep It Classic—You Choose

• Quick tips to elevate your vegetable soup game.
• Replace fresh vegetables with frozen mixed vegetables to save money and reduce prep time.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
• For a protein boost, add cooked white beans or shredded chicken. Gluten-free dieters can confirm vegetable broth is gluten-free before using.
• Enhance the soup's depth by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving for an unexpected flavor twist.

Serve With Crackers or Crusty Bread on the Side

• Garden-Fresh Topping Twist: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chives on top to add a burst of color and bright, zesty flavor that elevates the soup's earthy profile.
• Cheese Lover's Paradise: Grate some Parmesan, pecorino, or sharp cheddar over the hot soup for a creamy, rich texture that melts beautifully and adds a delightful salty kick.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, toasted sourdough, rustic whole grain bread, or crispy garlic croutons to provide a satisfying crunch and help soak up the delicious broth.
• Protein Power-Up: Optional additions like cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or diced tofu can transform this vegetable soup into a more substantial and filling meal that packs extra nutrition.

Save Your Soup for the Next Lazy Afternoon

• Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving slight expansion space. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick during reheating.
• Divide soup into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches. These meal-prep portions make workday eating convenient and delicious, ensuring you always have a nutritious meal ready.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this soup. Just add them directly to the pot, and they’ll cook perfectly. Frozen corn, peas, and green beans are especially convenient and just as nutritious.

• Is this vegetable soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on your vegetable broth to confirm it doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, always double-check ingredient labels.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Easy! Add some canned or cooked beans like white kidney beans or chickpeas. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or lentils. These additions will boost the protein content and make the soup more filling.

• Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Sauté the vegetables first in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking will develop rich, deep flavors.

Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetable soup from Mediterranean traditions blends fresh garden produce with aromatic herbs. Nourishing ingredients create a comforting bowl that connects you to rustic culinary landscapes.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened and translucent, releasing a rich fragrant base for the soup.
2. Vegetable Integration: Add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the aromatic mixture, creating a robust vegetable medley.
3. Herbal Enhancement: Infuse the soup with thyme, basil, and bay leaf, seasoning with salt and pepper to develop a complex flavor profile.
4. Cooking Process: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and allowing ingredients to harmonize for 25-30 minutes.
5. Final Vegetable Addition: Stir in corn kernels and green peas, continuing to simmer until all vegetables reach optimal tenderness and flavors meld completely.
6. Finishing Touches: Extract the bay leaf, perform a final taste adjustment, and ladle the vibrant soup into serving bowls.
7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, serving the soup steaming hot and brimming with colorful, nutritious vegetables.

Notes

Optimize Vegetable Chopping: Ensure uniform, bite-sized vegetable cuts for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.

Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust vegetable broth quantity to achieve desired soup thickness – add more for thinner soup, reduce for heartier version.

Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider roasting vegetables briefly before adding to soup to develop richer, more caramelized flavor profiles.

Dietary Adaptations: Swap vegetable broth with bone broth for protein boost, or use gluten-free broth for celiac-friendly option; add protein like cooked quinoa or white beans for more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg