12 Veggie Soup Au Bon Pain Recipe for Healthy Comfort Food

When the chill of autumn or winter sets in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of vegetable soup. Au Bon Pain’s 12 Veggie Soup is a beloved classic, packed with vibrant vegetables and wholesome flavors that make it both hearty and healthy.

This recipe captures that same spirit, offering a delightful medley of fresh produce simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a meal to soothe your soul, this soup is the perfect choice.

It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it a staple for any kitchen.

In this detailed recipe blog post, I’ll guide you through how to recreate the iconic 12 Veggie Soup at home, including tips, variations, and serving ideas. Plus, I’ll share some links to other amazing vegetarian recipes to inspire your cooking adventures even further!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 12 Veggie Soup is a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. It’s loaded with a variety of vegetables, providing a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The broth is light yet deeply savory, making it a perfect base whether you want to eat it alone or add grains or beans for extra protein.

The soup is also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap or add vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

It’s a great way to use up odds and ends in your fridge while still producing a meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Plus, this recipe is vegan and gluten-free by default, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary needs. It’s a perfect option for meal prepping or serving at family dinners, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and butternut squash. Chop green beans, shred cabbage, and roughly chop kale or spinach.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add hard vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and butternut squash. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to start softening them.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the diced tomatoes along with dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
6. Add remaining vegetables: Add zucchini, green beans, corn, cabbage, and kale/spinach to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately or let cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

For a heartier version, add cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Try swapping kale for Swiss chard or collard greens to change up the flavor and texture.

If you prefer a creamier soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.

Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup is wonderful served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a cozy lunch, enjoy it with a slice of warm sourdough or baguette.

For a more filling dinner, serve alongside a grain bowl or a simple quinoa salad.

It also pairs beautifully with other vegetarian favorites. Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more ideas to round out your meal.

For a spicy kick, consider adding a side of homemade chili powder blend — you can find an easy recipe in our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

If you want to explore more nourishing vegetarian soups, don’t miss our collection of Vegetarian Mexican Soup Recipes That Warm Your Soul for flavorful variations.

12 Veggie Soup Au Bon Pain Recipe Variations to Try

1. Classic 12 Veggie Soup: Follow the recipe above for the traditional comforting bowl.
2. Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and swap the green beans for black beans.
3. Italian Herb: Use Italian seasoning, add cannellini beans, diced potatoes, and finish with fresh basil.
4. Asian-Inspired: Add ginger and lemongrass to the broth, swap kale for bok choy, and finish with a splash of soy sauce and lime.
5. Curried Veggie Soup: Add curry powder and coconut milk for a creamy, spiced twist.
6. Root Vegetable Medley: Focus on carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes for a hearty earthy flavor.
7. Green Goodness: Double the greens – kale, spinach, broccoli, and peas – with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
8. Hearty Bean Soup: Add a variety of beans like kidney, navy, and chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
9. Tomato Basil Veggie Soup: Increase diced tomatoes, add fresh basil, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
10. Butternut & Apple Soup: Add diced apples for a sweet contrast with the butternut squash and spices like cinnamon.
11. Minestrone Style: Add pasta or rice, kidney beans, and a parmesan rind for a richer broth.
12. Detox Veggie Soup: Use mostly cruciferous veggies like cabbage, kale, and broccoli with lemon and garlic for cleansing properties.

Conclusion

Preparing the 12 Veggie Soup Au Bon Pain style at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying meal that complements any season. This recipe is both simple and flexible, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables and seasonings with ease.

The wholesome ingredients and hearty broth make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this soup is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. It warms the body, delights the palate, and encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore more vegetarian inspirations like our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to keep your meals exciting and nourishing all year round. Happy cooking!

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