There’s nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a warm bowl of vegetable soup. This Vegetable Soup Recipe inspired by Food Network’s fresh and hearty approach combines a colorful medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth.
Whether you’re craving a light starter or a nourishing main dish, this soup fits the bill. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized with your favorite veggies or pantry staples.
Perfect for meal prepping or a cozy family dinner, this recipe embodies the essence of homestyle cooking with a modern twist. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for vegan diets.
Dive into this detailed guide, and you’ll be serving up a delicious bowl of soup that’s as beautiful as it is tasty in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser because it balances simplicity with rich flavor. The slow simmering of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a touch of tomato creates a broth that’s both light and deeply satisfying.
It’s a versatile recipe that you can tweak based on seasonal veggies or what’s in your fridge.
Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. The vibrant colors and textures make every spoonful exciting, and the natural sweetness of carrots and tomatoes complements the earthiness of beans and greens perfectly.
Plus, it freezes beautifully – a great make-ahead meal option!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 medium |
Celery stalks, sliced | 2 stalks |
Potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 medium |
Zucchini, diced | 1 medium |
Green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces | 1 cup |
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 can (14.5 oz) or 2 cups fresh |
Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
Bay leaf | 1 |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper, freshly ground | To taste |
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 2 tablespoons |
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Ladle and soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking even and ensures a delightful texture in each spoonful.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in your stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the hard vegetables: Toss in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and release their flavors.
- Pour in liquids and seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir in the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Add remaining vegetables: Add the zucchini and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to cook these quicker-cooking veggies without losing their vibrant color and texture.
- Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning gradually to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips & Variations
Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon before adding the zucchini and green beans. This will naturally thicken the broth without extra ingredients.
Variation: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables such as corn, peas, kale, or spinach for extra nutrition. For a protein boost, add cooked beans or lentils towards the end of cooking.
Pro Tip: For a smoky depth, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of soy sauce. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way.
For more creative ways to use vegetables in your meals, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 480 mg |
Vitamin A | 90% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup shines when served with a few simple accompaniments. A slice of freshly baked bread, such as the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, is perfect for dipping into the broth.
For a heartier meal, top your soup with a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of herbed yogurt. A side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the warmth and depth of the soup beautifully.
If you enjoy exploring more vegetable-based dishes, you might like our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to keep your meals fresh and exciting throughout the week.
Conclusion
This vegetable soup recipe inspired by Food Network is a fantastic staple for any kitchen — simple, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. It celebrates the natural flavors of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for an easy starter, this soup delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reduce food waste by using up leftover veggies.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl full of warmth and goodness that feels like a big, cozy hug from the inside out!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 20 g
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