There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of vegetable soup simmering on the stove, especially when it’s packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The Apple Barn Vegetable Soup recipe is a true classic, inspired by the rustic charm of a cozy barn kitchen surrounded by orchards and fields.
It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a nourishing meal that’s both hearty and light. This soup combines a medley of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a rich vegetable broth to create layers of flavor that are simply irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients while enjoying a bowl of deliciousness.
Read on to discover why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Barn Vegetable Soup recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s:
- Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Comforting and warming: Ideal for cold days or whenever you need a soothing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Easy to customize: You can easily swap or add your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Vegan and gluten-free friendly: Naturally free of animal products and gluten, making it accessible for many dietary needs.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully for quick meals later in the week.
Plus, it’s a fantastic gateway to explore more hearty vegetarian recipes — if you’re interested, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Immersion blender (for a creamier texture)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and release the aroma.
- Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add the chopped green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced apples. Mix well to combine all the fresh flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 25-30 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Optional step: If you prefer a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, then stir to combine.
- Add the chopped kale or spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For a heartier soup, add cooked beans or lentils towards the end of cooking. You can also experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, peas, or sweet potatoes depending on the season.”
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of our homemade chilli powder for a warming kick.
- Use homemade broth: For even richer flavor, try your hand at a homemade vegetable broth using scraps and herbs.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make it creamy without dairy: Blend in some cooked potatoes or a splash of coconut milk for a luscious texture.
- Change the greens: Substitute kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens based on availability and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Quantity per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150-180 kcal |
Protein | 5 grams |
Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 6 grams |
Fat | 4 grams (mostly from olive oil) |
Vitamin A | 120% Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 40% Daily Value |
Iron | 10% Daily Value |
Calcium | 8% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping
- A fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette
- Lightly toasted sandwich with vegan cheese or hummus
- Steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal
If you love hearty vegetable soups like this one, you might also enjoy exploring our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings for more comforting ideas.
Conclusion
The Apple Barn Vegetable Soup is a beautiful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a simple yet flavorful way. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes your creativity while delivering consistent comfort and nourishment.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to share with loved ones, this soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Not only does it provide a colorful variety of vegetables, but the subtle sweetness from apples adds a unique twist that makes this soup stand out. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making dishes your own — feel free to personalize this recipe with your favorite seasonal veggies or herbs.
For more delicious vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out our collections like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals. Happy cooking and enjoy your nourishing bowl of Apple Barn Vegetable Soup!
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Barn Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and wholesome vegetable soup featuring fresh garden vegetables and a hint of apple sweetness. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
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, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in apple, zucchini, and green beans.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 25 g
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