Hearty Vegetable Soup

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Bowl of hearty vegetable soup filled with fresh vegetables and herbs

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Itโ€™s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and warms you right up. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or just want to add more veggies to your meals, this soup is a fantastic choice.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Optional: 1 can (15 oz) beans (like kidney or chickpeas)

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, then add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and dried thyme. Stir well.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Add the salt, pepper, and beans if using.
  7. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot.

Hearty Vegetable Soup

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Hearty Vegetable Soup

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it will last for about 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Tips to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup

  • Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to make it your own.
  • For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it before serving.
  • Add spices like paprika or bay leaves for extra flavor.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables.

Variation

Try adding grains like quinoa or barley for added texture and nutrition. You can also make it heartier by adding cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the day after it is made as the flavors meld together.

Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage if you’d like to include meat.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed can be gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on the vegetable broth and other canned goods.

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Hearty Vegetable Soup


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  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A warm and nutritious vegetable soup perfect for cold days, packed with vitamins and flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Optional: 1 can (15 oz) beans (like kidney or chickpeas)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, then add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and dried thyme. Stir well.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Add the salt, pepper, and beans if using.
  7. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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