Wholesome Vegetable Soup Recipe

Heartwarming Vegetable Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl!

When the chill of winter settles in, a hearty vegetable soup recipe becomes the ultimate comfort companion for cold evenings.

Packed with vibrant colors and nutritious ingredients, this soup bursts with flavor in every spoonful.

Fresh vegetables dance together in a rich, warming broth that soothes the soul.

Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and taste to the pot, creating a symphony of deliciousness.

The soup delivers a perfect balance of nutrients and warmth that makes every bite satisfying.

Chopped carrots, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans mingle with aromatic herbs to create a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.

Grab a ladle and let this comforting soup transport you to a place of culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 7

Wholesome Ingredients For Vegetable Soup

For Base Aromatics:
  • Onion: Builds foundational flavor with sweet, sharp undertones perfect for soup depth.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes that enhance vegetable complexity and provide immune-boosting properties.
  • Carrots: Contributes natural sweetness and vibrant orange color while boosting nutritional value.
  • Celery: Introduces subtle pepperiness and classic soup undertone with crisp texture.
For Hearty Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Creates creamy texture and provides substantial, filling element to soup.
  • Zucchini: Offers delicate, mild flavor and tender texture with high water content.
  • Green Beans: Brings crisp texture and bright green color with subtle grassy taste.
  • Corn: Adds sweet burst of flavor and pleasant golden color.
  • Peas: Provides gentle sweetness and pop of bright green color.
For Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Delivers tangy acidic background and rich red color to soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates foundational liquid with balanced vegetable essence.
  • Water: Helps adjust soup consistency and volume.
  • Thyme: Introduces earthy, slightly minty herbal notes.
  • Basil: Contributes fresh, aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle complexity and traditional soup depth.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and slight spiciness.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and subtle fruity undertone.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish with fresh herbal finish.

How To Keep Vegetable Soup Fresh

  • Fridge-Fresh Storage: Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 4-5 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freezer-Ready Batches: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup gradually in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth to restore original consistency if liquid has reduced during storage.
  • Ingredient Freshness Tip: Keep vegetables crisp by adding corn and peas just before serving when planning to store soup. This prevents overcooking and maintains vibrant texture during subsequent reheating.

Gear To Simmer Vegetable Soup Right

  • Large Pot: Crucial for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping all fresh vegetables safely and efficiently.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting and dicing.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, water, and vegetable quantities.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into individual bowls smoothly.
  • Peeler (Optional): Helpful for preparing carrots and potatoes if needed.

Steps To Cook Fresh Vegetable Soup

Steps To Cook Fresh Vegetable Soup
  • Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up a big pot with olive oil, then toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Let these veggies dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their aromatic magic.

  • Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth and add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. Sprinkle thyme, basil, and drop in a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let everything simmer gently under a cozy lid for 20 minutes.

  • Finish with Garden Goodness

Stir in corn and peas, allowing them to mingle and become tender for another 10 minutes. The soup will transform into a vibrant, hearty meal bursting with colors and nutrition.

  • Serve with Love

Fish out the bay leaf and give the soup a final taste. Ladle into warm bowls and if you’re feeling fancy, crown it with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting, homemade vegetable symphony!

Ways To Switch Up Vegetable Soup

  • Secret Soup Saver Tricks: Elevate Your Veggie Soup Game
  • Veggie Prep Magic: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup. Smaller, consistent cuts mean more balanced flavor in every spoonful.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Toast herbs and spices briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Make-Ahead Master Plan: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving slight space for expansion, and reheat gently to maintain vegetable integrity.
  • Diet-Friendly Transformations: Swap vegetable broth with chicken or bone broth for protein boost, or use gluten-free tamari instead of traditional salt to make the recipe completely gluten-free and friendly for sensitive diets.

How To Serve Vegetable Soup Warm And Cozy

  • Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Slice a crusty baguette or sourdough bread, then lightly toast and serve alongside the soup for dipping into the flavorful broth.
  • Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or crumbled feta on top of the hot soup to add a creamy, tangy dimension that complements the vegetables.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or cubed tofu to transform this vegetable soup into a more substantial and filling meal that provides extra protein and nutrition.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color to the comforting soup.
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Wholesome Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

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

Description

Hearty vegetable soup combines robust flavors from garden-fresh ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this comforting dish, offering you a nourishing meal perfect for chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 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)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Initiation: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat, coaxing out their deep flavors and creating a fragrant base for the soup, allowing vegetables to soften and meld for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Liquid Landscape: Add potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes to the pot, then pour in vegetable broth and water. Incorporate thyme, basil, and bay leaf, seasoning with salt and pepper to build a robust flavor foundation.
  3. Simmering Symphony: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, letting the ingredients simmer and develop complex flavors for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and blend harmoniously.
  4. Final Flourish: Stir in sweet corn and delicate peas, cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning to taste, and prepare for serving with an optional garnish of fresh parsley or sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Boost Aromatics Carefully: Sauté vegetables slowly to develop rich, layered flavors without burning, maintaining medium heat and stirring occasionally for even caramelization.
  • Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust broth quantity based on desired soup thickness; add more water or broth if too dense, or simmer uncovered to reduce if too thin.
  • Optimize Vegetable Texture: Add soft vegetables like zucchini and corn later to prevent overcooking and maintain their crisp, fresh quality while ensuring proper doneness.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Easily transform into gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium version by selecting appropriate broth, eliminating cheese garnish, and controlling salt levels during seasoning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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