Au Bon Pain Veggie Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

There’s something incredibly comforting and wholesome about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when it’s inspired by classic favorites like the Au Bon Pain Veggie Soup. This recipe captures that same rich, garden-fresh flavor that makes Au Bon Pain’s soup so beloved, while being completely homemade and customizable.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a nourishing snack, this veggie soup is packed with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and a savory broth that will warm your soul.

Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, making it a versatile option for many diets.

If you love wholesome, hearty soups that are easy to make and bursting with flavor, keep reading to learn how to whip up this delightful Au Bon Pain-inspired veggie soup right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Au Bon Pain veggie soup recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The broth has a rich, savory depth without relying on heavy creams or processed ingredients, making it light yet satisfying.

Second, it’s super easy to customize. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or add beans and grains to boost protein and fiber content.

It’s a great way to use up seasonal produce or pantry staples.

Lastly, this soup is a perfect comfort food that’s also healthy. It’s ideal for chilly days, post-workout recovery, or anytime you want a nourishing meal without fuss.

Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

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 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Optional: Blender or immersion blender (if you prefer a creamier texture)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Stir in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Mix well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
7. Add the baby spinach or kale and cooked quinoa or brown rice if using. Stir until the greens wilt and the grains are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a creamier soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender, then mix it back in. This adds body without cream or dairy.

Variation: Add a can of rinsed white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and texture. You can also toss in some chopped potatoes or sweet potatoes for heartiness.

Seasonal swap: Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand like bell peppers, peas, or corn. Fresh herbs like rosemary or cilantro can add a different flavor twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Au Bon Pain veggie soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm baguette for dipping. You could also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a light but complete meal.

For a heartier lunch, add a scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice directly into the bowl.

For a touch of indulgence, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some grated vegan cheese on top. If you’re looking for inspiration to explore more vegetarian dishes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for wholesome grain-based ideas.

Conclusion

Making the Au Bon Pain veggie soup at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. With fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a simple broth, this soup is a great way to boost your daily intake of veggies while indulging in comfort food.

It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and add your personal touch.

For more easy and delicious vegetarian recipes, be sure to explore our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and add a burst of flavor to your kitchen repertoire.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Au Bon Pain Veggie Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup inspired by Au Bon Pain. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a light and nutritious meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 carrots, peeled and sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 zucchini, diced”, “1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut”, “1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes”, “6 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried basil”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}