Australian vegetable soup is a comforting, hearty dish that captures the essence of fresh, seasonal produce from down under. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly winter’s day or simply craving a wholesome meal, this soup recipe brings together a vibrant mix of vegetables and fragrant herbs, simmered to perfection.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
In Australia, vegetable soups often highlight the best of local ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, leeks, and peas, combined with robust flavors from garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. This recipe is not only nourishing but also incredibly easy to prepare, offering a warm bowl of goodness that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up any vegetables lingering in your fridge. Dive into this delightful Australian vegetable soup and discover a new favorite for your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Australian vegetable soup recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and ease. It’s packed with fresh vegetables that provide vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet.
The soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or pantry staples, making it a great way to reduce food waste and customize to your liking.
Plus, the slow simmer infuses every spoonful with rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
Whether you want a quick weekday lunch or a cozy dinner option, this soup delivers. It’s also an excellent meal prep candidate, as it reheats beautifully and can be frozen for later.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s check out what you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for creamier texture)
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and chop carrots and sweet potato, slice the leek, and chop the celery and green beans. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth.
- Heat olive oil in the soup pot. Place your large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add garlic, carrots, celery, leek, and sweet potato. Stir the vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the 4 cups of broth to the pot along with the dried thyme and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add green beans and peas. Stir in the chopped green beans and frozen peas. Continue simmering for an additional 5-7 minutes until these vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Season the soup. Remove the bay leaf and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you enjoy a bit of brightness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and stir to combine.
- Optional: Blend for creaminess. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Otherwise, leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Serve and garnish. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately with your favorite crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips & Variations
For an even heartier meal, add cooked barley or brown rice during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
To make this soup creamier without blending, stir in a splash of coconut milk or plant-based cream just before serving.
Don’t have all the veggies? No problem!
Potatoes, zucchini, pumpkin, or corn work beautifully too.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | 
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | 
| Protein | 4 g | 
| Carbohydrates | 28 g | 
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g | 
| Fat | 4 g (mostly healthy fats) | 
| Vitamin A | 120% DV | 
| Vitamin C | 35% DV | 
| Iron | 12% DV | 
Serving Suggestions
This Australian vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its fresh and earthy flavors. For a light lunch, serve with a slice of toasted sourdough or multigrain bread slathered with vegan butter.
For a heartier dinner, consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. Adding a protein-rich side like baked chickpea patties or lentil salad can round out the meal beautifully.
Want to explore more wholesome recipes? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration, or try the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to add nutritious grains to your dishes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a nutritious meal for a busy weeknight or a warming bowl to enjoy on a lazy weekend, this Australian vegetable soup recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh vegetables, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
The fragrant herbs and colorful medley of veggies make each spoonful a delight, offering both comfort and nourishment.
By making this soup, you’re embracing a simple yet flavorful way to eat healthily while celebrating the bounty of Australian produce. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce more plant-based meals into your routine.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious and wholesome recipes like the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add some spice to your cooking repertoire. Happy cooking, and enjoy your bowl of Australian comfort!
📖 Recipe Card: Australian Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable soup using fresh Australian produce. Perfect for a warming 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, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, and pumpkin.
- Pour in vegetable stock and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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