There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when it’s packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a way to use up your garden harvest, this vegetarian vegetable soup recipe is a perfect choice.
It’s simple to prepare, incredibly nutritious, and flexible enough to suit whatever veggies you have on hand. The medley of colorful vegetables combined with herbs and spices creates a deliciously hearty yet light meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to boost your daily vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.
In this recipe, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions and practical tips to make your soup taste amazing every time. No matter your cooking skill level, this recipe will help you create a nourishing bowl of goodness that your whole family will love.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian vegetable soup ticks all the boxes for a healthy, satisfying meal. It’s:
- Nutritious: Loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Simple: Uses common pantry staples and fresh produce, with minimal prep time.
- Flexible: Easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have available.
- Flavorful: Enhanced with herbs, garlic, and a touch of spice for depth and warmth.
- Comforting: Perfect for chilly days, meal prep, or whenever you want a cozy, homemade soup.
Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian and can be made vegan by using vegetable broth—no meat or animal products needed. For more hearty vegetarian meals, you might want to check out the Bread And Gravy Recipe or the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for delicious plant-based ideas.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional for extra protein)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Vegetable knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Optional: Immersion blender (for a creamier texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice all your vegetables as specified.
- Heat the olive oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add carrots and celery: Toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add remaining fresh vegetables: Add the zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir to combine.
- Add herbs and bay leaf: Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer: Increase heat to high until the soup comes to a boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add peas and chickpeas: Stir in the frozen peas and cooked chickpeas (if using). Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning and remove bay leaf: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Optional blending: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for texture.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
“Using seasonal vegetables will keep this soup fresh and exciting throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to swap or add your favorites!”
- Make it heartier: Add cooked grains like quinoa or barley for extra texture and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth and subtle heat.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or oregano, add them towards the end of cooking for a bright herbal note.
- Vegan-friendly: Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan, or make your own for the purest flavor.
- Storage: Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fats | 4 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, enjoy it with a slice of crusty whole grain bread or a warm garlic naan.
It also complements a fresh green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich perfectly.
If you want to turn this into a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside quinoa salad or a baked potato. For a cozy breakfast twist, try pairing it with the Breakfast Wellington Recipe, which offers a savory complement.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something meaty on another day, check out the Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe for a hearty feast.
Conclusion
This vegetarian vegetable soup recipe is a true kitchen hero—simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for those days when you want to eat healthily without spending hours cooking.
The vibrant mix of vegetables paired with fragrant herbs delivers a satisfying flavor that warms the soul.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just someone looking to add more plants to your diet, this soup is an excellent choice. It’s also a great recipe for meal prepping since it tastes even better the next day.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables or add legumes for extra protein. For more delicious recipes that highlight wholesome ingredients, be sure to visit our collection, including the delightful Bluebill Duck Recipes for something special.
Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every spoonful of this comforting vegetable soup!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can (14 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, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 15 g
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