Veg Rice Soup Recipe Easy and Healthy Meal Ideas

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Looking for a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare? This Veg Rice Soup Recipe is the perfect answer.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something light yet satisfying, this soup brings the best of wholesome vegetables and tender rice together in a soothing broth. It’s a versatile dish that’s not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also gentle on the stomach.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover veggies and rice, making it budget-friendly and sustainable.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you want a bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready in less than an hour.

Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can be adapted easily to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Veg Rice Soup is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly nourishing, combining the energy-boosting power of rice with a colorful array of vegetables that contribute fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.

It’s also highly customizable. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, making it a flexible option for any season.

The soup is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it fits into most dietary lifestyles.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity—minimal prep, one pot to clean, and flavor-packed results. Plus, it stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle for serving
  • Fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the soup from becoming too thick or gummy.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in the diced carrots, green beans, and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
  5. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and aromatics.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth along with dried thyme and oregano. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  8. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  9. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra boost of protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the soup in step 6.”

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or in your fridge. Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, peas, or corn add wonderful sweetness and texture.

If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk just before serving. For a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the herbs.

To save time, use pre-cut frozen vegetables, which work just as well and are often more affordable.

For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or try making our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories 180 kcal
Carbohydrates 35 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 3 g
Fiber 4 g
Vitamin A 50% DV
Vitamin C 30% DV
Iron 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

This veg rice soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed greens for a well-rounded meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top for extra zing and depth.

For a more substantial meal, serve alongside our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or enjoy as a starter before a hearty main like Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, making it ideal for meal planning.

Conclusion

Our Veg Rice Soup recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting and wholesome meal. It’s perfect for all seasons, nourishing your body without weighing you down.

The combination of fresh vegetables and fragrant rice in a savory broth makes it both satisfying and light, ideal for family dinners or solo meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is approachable and flexible enough to suit your style and preferences. Try it as is, or explore the variations to make it your own.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious and healthy recipes on our site, like the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the delightful Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Veg Rice Soup

Description: A comforting and nutritious soup made with vegetables and rice. Perfect for a light meal or starter.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add carrot and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Add cooked rice and thyme; simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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