There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable soup to brighten your day and nourish your body, especially when it comes to Ally Parsons’ famous vegetable soup recipe. This recipe is a delightful medley of fresh, wholesome vegetables simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs and spices.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious lunch packed with veggies, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and bursting with flavors that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through Ally Parsons’ vegetable soup recipe step-by-step, share essential tips and variations, and even suggest pairing ideas to elevate your meal. So grab your pot and fresh produce, and let’s dive into the world of wholesome, delicious soup-making!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, loaded with a variety of colorful vegetables that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The combination of carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes creates a rich base that’s both satisfying and light.
Secondly, it’s highly flexible and customizable. You can easily swap ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making it a perfect recipe for reducing food waste.
Its mild but flavorful broth makes it a great option for all ages and dietary preferences.
Finally, the soup is simple to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. A few basic kitchen tools and fresh produce are all you need to create a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 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 smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle for serving
- Soup bowls
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables: Wash, peel, and dice all your vegetables as listed in the ingredients. Keeping the pieces roughly the same size helps them cook evenly.
- Heat the olive oil: Place your pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add garlic and aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, basil, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add root vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat with the aromatic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes: Pour in the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Add the 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add green beans and peas: Stir in the fresh green beans and frozen peas, then cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beans are tender-crisp.
- Season the soup: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your nutritious and comforting meal!
Tips & Variations
“To maximize flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.”
Swap or add your favorite vegetables: Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard can be stirred in near the end of cooking for extra greens. You can also add mushrooms, corn, or butternut squash for different textures and flavors.
Make it heartier: Add cooked beans or lentils to boost protein content, making the soup a complete meal. For inspiration, check out the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
Spice it up: If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or try a homemade blend from the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a smoky kick.
Make it creamy: For a velvety texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in, or add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup is delicious on its own or served alongside a crusty slice of whole-grain bread or a warm baguette. For a more filling meal, pair it with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
You might also enjoy it with a comforting grilled cheese sandwich made with your favorite cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
For more wholesome vegetarian meal ideas, explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and find inspiration for every mealtime.
Conclusion
Ally Parsons’ vegetable soup recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, nourishing, and comforting dish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
The best part is how adaptable this soup is — you can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices and still enjoy a deeply flavorful bowl every time.
With its vibrant colors, rich aromas, and wholesome goodness, this vegetable soup makes eating healthy not just easy but enjoyable. Don’t forget to check out other fantastic recipes like the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to keep your meals exciting and nutritious.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and wonderful aromas!
📖 Recipe Card: Ally Parsons Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh veggies and herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 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 soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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