When it comes to cozy comfort food, few dishes can match the warmth and richness of a perfectly roasted vegetable soup. Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Vegetable Soup recipe is a true testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in a hearty, flavorful bowl.
Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup is both wholesome and incredibly easy to make. With a medley of garden-fresh vegetables roasted to perfection and blended into a creamy, silky base, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Plus, its vibrant color and robust flavors make it as delightful to serve as it is to eat.
Ideal for chilly days or whenever you need a boost of veggie goodness, this soup embodies the essence of Barefoot Contessa’s cooking philosophy—simple, elegant, and always delicious. Ready in under an hour, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can master it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This roasted vegetable soup is a celebration of seasonal vegetables, highlighting their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Roasting the vegetables caramelizes their edges, adding a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the soup beyond ordinary.
It’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth.
The recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly, yet the result is a sophisticated soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nourishing option to keep you feeling full and healthy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for vegan option
Equipment
- Baking sheet for roasting vegetables
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Blender or immersion blender
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and cube the butternut squash, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the onion into chunks. Leave garlic cloves whole but peeled.
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme on the baking sheet. Spread them out evenly for optimal roasting.
- Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Stir halfway through for even roasting.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large soup pot. Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Remove the bay leaf before blending.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan twist. Heat through but do not boil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, try roasting the vegetables with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes before roasting.
You can swap out butternut squash for sweet potatoes or pumpkin depending on the season. Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before blending will boost the nutrition without altering the taste significantly.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve a cup of roasted vegetables and stir them back into the blended soup for added bite. For a vegan and dairy-free version, coconut milk is the perfect creamy alternative.
You can also serve this soup with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 27 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugar | 7 g |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Calcium | 6% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
You can also add a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to add extra flavor and texture.
For an elegant dinner, ladle the soup into small bowls and garnish with microgreens, a drizzle of truffle oil, or a dollop of sour cream or vegan cashew cream. It also works beautifully as a starter for a multi-course meal.
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Vegetable Soup is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create something truly special. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to embrace seasonal vegetables in a comforting and delicious way.
Its versatility means you can customize it to your taste and dietary preferences without losing any of the soul-warming qualities.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this soup is approachable and rewarding. It’s a nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and a beautiful way to celebrate the natural flavors of fresh produce.
For more vegetable-forward recipes that nourish both body and soul, be sure to explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion as well as flavorful ideas like the Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.
And if you love the flavors here, check out the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more dairy-free delights.
📖 Recipe Card: Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Soup
Description: A flavorful soup made from a medley of roasted vegetables blended to perfection. This comforting recipe is perfect for any season and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss carrots, parsnips, bell peppers, butternut squash, onion, and garlic with olive oil and salt.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot and add vegetable broth, black pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Barefoot Contessa Roasted Vegetable Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful soup made from a medley of roasted vegetables blended to perfection. This comforting recipe is perfect for any season and packed with wholesome ingredients.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 large carrots, peeled and chopped”, “2 parsnips, peeled and chopped”, “1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped”, “1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped”, “1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed”, “1 large onion, quartered”, “4 cloves garlic, peeled”, “3 tablespoons olive oil”, “4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon kosher salt”, “1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 425\u00b0F (220\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss carrots, parsnips, bell peppers, butternut squash, onion, and garlic with olive oil and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until tender and caramelized.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot and add vegetable broth, black pepper, and thyme.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm with crusty bread if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “27 g”}}