There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when it’s packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking to nourish your body on a chilly day or simply craving a healthy, flavorful meal, this nutritious vegetable soup recipe is a perfect choice.
Bursting with vibrant colors and rich flavors, it is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With a balance of hearty vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth, this soup delivers a satisfying and nourishing experience in every spoonful. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a low-calorie, fiber-rich meal.
Plus, it stores well for leftovers, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep. Let’s dive into why this soup will soon become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable soup is a celebration of nature’s bounty. It’s:
- Highly nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a variety of fresh vegetables.
- Easy to prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor.
- Diet friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie, perfect for a range of dietary preferences.
- Comforting and filling: The hearty vegetables and flavorful broth will keep you satisfied without heaviness.
If you love wholesome meals, you might also enjoy exploring more recipes in our collection such as A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for mild heat
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle (for serving)
- Optional: Blender or immersion blender (if you prefer a creamier texture)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the carrots and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Finally, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to add grains like barley or quinoa for extra texture and protein. For a heartier meal, toss in cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas.”
- Make it creamy: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a silky texture without cream.
- Seasonal swaps: Use whatever veggies you have on hand — sweet potatoes, corn, peas, or mushrooms work beautifully.
- Boost flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste for umami depth.
- Herb variations: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill can be stirred in just before serving for brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 400 mg (varies with broth choice) |
Vitamin A | 80% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a light side salad. For a Mediterranean twist, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving.
Looking for more hearty and healthy options? Try our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or warm up with Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.
Conclusion
This nutritious vegetable soup recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that nourishes both body and soul. With its vibrant medley of vegetables and herbs, it highlights the best of plant-based cooking while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for quick meal ideas or someone wanting to eat healthier without sacrificing taste, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Embrace the flexibility of this recipe by experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings to make it uniquely yours. It’s a fantastic way to add more nutrients to your diet and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal any day of the week.
Don’t forget to check out other fantastic recipes like Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more inspiration on your wholesome cooking journey!
📖 Recipe Card: Nutritious Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients. Perfect for a light meal or a nourishing snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 and green beans.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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