Alton Brown Vegetable Soup Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 8, 2025

When it comes to comforting, nutritious, and flavorful meals, nothing beats a hearty vegetable soup. Alton Brown’s vegetable soup recipe is a classic that beautifully balances fresh produce with aromatic herbs and spices, making it perfect for any season.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or a healthy way to get your daily veggies, this soup delivers on all fronts. Its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients make it accessible for both beginner cooks and seasoned foodies alike.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—allowing you to tweak the vegetables based on what’s fresh or what you have in your pantry.

This recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of each vegetable while maintaining a clean, savory broth that soothes and satisfies. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a vegetable soup that’s both flavorful and healthy, you’re in for a treat.

Ready your apron and let’s dive into Alton Brown’s delicious vegetable soup recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Alton Brown’s vegetable soup combines simplicity with incredible depth of flavor. The recipe is designed to coax out the best from each vegetable while keeping the broth light yet savory.

It’s a perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and ease of preparation.

This soup is especially great because it:

  • Uses fresh, wholesome vegetables for vibrant taste and texture.
  • Is easy to customize with seasonal or pantry vegetables.
  • Offers a comforting and warming meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
  • Is naturally vegan and gluten-free, fitting a variety of dietary needs.
  • Provides a great base for adding proteins like beans or lentils for an even heartier meal.

If you enjoy recipes like this, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, careful not to let it burn.
  4. Add the carrots and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth along with the canned diced tomatoes, including the juice.
  6. Add the green beans, zucchini, corn, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. If using kale or spinach, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow it to wilt but retain its color and nutrients.
  9. Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. This soup is very forgiving!”

Make it heartier: Add cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

Spice it up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat. For a homemade spice blend, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a silky texture without dairy.

Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or oregano, use them instead of dried for a brighter flavor.

For more delicious, easy vegetarian soups, explore our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 140 kcal
Protein 4 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Dietary Fiber 6 g
Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Sodium 450 mg
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 40% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.

For a satisfying lunch, top your soup with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for an umami boost. If you want to keep things hearty, serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad.

Looking for more wholesome vegetarian meals? Check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for great ideas to complement your soup.

Conclusion

Alton Brown’s vegetable soup recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth, nutrition, and comfort to your table. It’s wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables or pantry staples.

The recipe’s simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, while the flavorful broth and fresh ingredients ensure every spoonful is satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this soup is a perfect choice for a wholesome meal. It’s also a great way to boost your vegetable intake without sacrificing taste.

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful soup as much as we do. For more delicious vegetarian recipes, don’t forget to explore our collection and keep your kitchen inspired!

📖 Recipe Card: Alton Brown Vegetable Soup

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add carrots, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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