Vegetable Soup Recipe

Cozy Vegetable Soup Recipe: Warm Comfort in Every Spoonful

When the chilly winds of winter whisper through your kitchen, a hearty vegetable soup recipe becomes your ultimate comfort companion.

Packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soul-warming dish promises to chase away the cold.

Chopping colorful vegetables creates a medley of textures and nutrients that dance together in a single pot.

Each spoonful delivers a rich, wholesome experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

The aroma of simmering vegetables fills your home with warmth and anticipation.

Simple, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to ladle this delightful creation into bowls and savor every comforting bite.

FAQs

  • Are the vegetables in the soup nutritious?

Yes, this vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots provide beta-carotene, green beans offer fiber, potatoes deliver potassium, and corn adds antioxidants. Each vegetable contributes essential nutrients to boost your health.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian and vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for those following plant-based diets. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified vegan.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

You can easily increase protein by adding beans like chickpeas or white kidney beans. Alternatively, include tofu cubes or plant-based protein crumbles. These additions will make the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.

  • Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This vegetable soup stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance. Just store in airtight containers and reheat when ready to eat.

Why People Love Vegetable Soup

  • Packed with a colorful mix of vegetables, this soup delivers an incredible range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support overall health and wellness.
  • With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, even novice cooks can confidently prepare this delicious soup without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
  • Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like beans, different herbs, or protein sources, making it perfect for personalized meal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Requires minimal prep work and cooks in under an hour, providing a perfect solution for busy families seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for Veggie Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a foundational savory flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the vegetable mix.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh flavor and additional vegetable depth.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its distinctive, robust flavor profile.
Hearty Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Creates a satisfying, filling texture and adds heartiness to the soup.
  • Green Beans: Introduces a crisp texture and fresh garden vegetable element.
  • Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base and contributes to the soup's liquid consistency.
Finishing Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Corn, Peas: Bring sweet, tender elements and additional nutritional variety.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish with a subtle herbal note.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Vegetable Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and adding a smooth, rich undertone.
  • Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle, earthy background flavor during cooking.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and complementary seasoning.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy finish to the soup.

Directions for Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add and cook:
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften.

Sprinkle in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stir briefly until garlic releases its enticing aroma.

Step 2: Build Hearty Soup Base

Introduce these ingredients to the pot:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Fresh green beans
  • Canned tomatoes with juice
  • Bay leaves
  • Vegetable broth

Stir everything together, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop deep, comforting taste.

Step 3: Add Vibrant Frozen Vegetables

Once potatoes become fork-tender, toss in:
  • Frozen corn
  • Frozen peas

Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes.

These colorful vegetables will add sweetness and extra texture to your soup.

Step 4: Brighten With Fresh Finish

Remove pot from heat.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

These final touches will elevate the soup with a zesty, refreshing kick.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy the warm, nourishing goodness.

Tips for Tasty Vegetable Soup

  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels and enhance the natural vegetable flavors.
  • Crush dried Italian seasoning between your palms before adding to release more intense aromatics and deepen the soup's flavor profile.
  • Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent overcooking vegetables and maintain their nutritional value and vibrant colors.
  • Add fresh lemon juice and parsley just before serving to preserve their bright, fresh taste and maximize their nutritional benefits.

Saving & Reheating Vegetable Soup

  • Store leftover vegetable soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain fresh flavor.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching desired temperature.

What to Eat with Veggie Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice up a warm, tangy sourdough loaf to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. The bread's slight sourness complements the soup's hearty vegetable medley and adds a delightful textural contrast.
  • Recommend Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the soup's light, fresh profile. These wines' bright acidity and subtle herbal notes perfectly match the vegetable and parsley flavors.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Drizzle: Create a quick garnish by mixing fresh thyme, rosemary, and extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle this aromatic oil over the soup to elevate its earthy vegetable essence and add a luxurious finishing touch.
  • Serve with Sharp Cheddar Cheese Crisps: Bake thin, crispy cheese wafers using aged cheddar to provide a salty, crunchy element. These delicate crisps will add a savory counterpoint to the soup's soft vegetable textures.

Fun Twists for Vegetable Soup

  • Protein Power Soup: Replace vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth, add shredded chicken or ground turkey for extra protein and heartiness.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Soup: Incorporate chickpeas, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and add diced zucchini for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly version of the soup.
  • Vegan Wellness Bowl: Use vegetable broth, add cubed tofu instead of meat, include nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and swap fresh herbs for a plant-based alternative.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty vegetable soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending seasonal produce with aromatic herbs. Warm, nourishing ingredients meld together, creating a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 sliced celery ribs
  • 1 diced medium onion
  • 3 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh green beans
  • 1 cup of frozen corn
  • 1 cup of frozen peas

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 68 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 23 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Herbs and Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery for 4-5 minutes until onions become translucent and vegetables soften slightly.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds until garlic releases its aromatic essence.
  3. Add diced potatoes, green beans, and canned tomatoes with their juices. Drop in bay leaves and pour vegetable broth into the pot.
  4. Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep flavors.
  5. Check potato tenderness by piercing with a fork. Once potatoes are soft, introduce frozen corn and peas into the simmering liquid.
  6. Cook additional 5-7 minutes to warm frozen vegetables and integrate them into the soup’s profile.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley, stirring to distribute bright, zesty notes throughout the soup.
  8. Let soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize. Ladle into serving bowls and enjoy the vibrant, comforting vegetable medley.

Notes

  • Customize vegetable selection by using seasonal or leftover vegetables in your fridge for a zero-waste approach.
  • Swap broth with water and add extra herbs to make the soup lighter and more budget-friendly.
  • Create a protein-packed version by adding cooked chicken, beans, or tofu during the final simmering stage.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt content manually for heart-healthy options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star