Basic Veggie Soup Recipe for Easy and Healthy Meals

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of vegetable soup to soothe your soul and nourish your body. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a healthy option to fuel your week, this basic veggie soup recipe is a fantastic go-to.

It’s packed with fresh vegetables, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Plus, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

This soup not only warms you up but also delivers a burst of vitamins and minerals in every spoonful. Ready to whip up a comforting dish that everyone will love?

Let’s dive into this delicious veggie soup adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This veggie soup is a celebration of wholesome, fresh ingredients combined into a flavorful, easy-to-make dish. It’s:

• Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from a variety of vegetables.
• Flexible: Adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand or prefer.
• Simple: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples and seasonal produce.
• Comforting: Perfectly soothing with a rich broth and tender veggies.

Plus, it’s a great base recipe that you can customize with herbs, spices, or even add-ins like beans or grains for extra heartiness.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle
• Bowl for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir to mix everything together.
6. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
7. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld and the potatoes soften.
8. Add the zucchini and green beans to the pot, continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
11. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or whatever you have in your fridge. This recipe is all about flexibility!”

• Make it heartier: Add cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas in step 8 for protein and fiber.
• Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a nice kick.
• Use fresh herbs: Swap dried thyme and basil for fresh herbs added at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
• Blend for creaminess: For a creamy texture without dairy, blend half of the soup after cooking and stir back in.
• Slow cooker option: Prepare the soup ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Check out the Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals for more inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This veggie soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. For a light and fresh complement, try serving it with a crisp green salad or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the broth.

If you want something more filling, add a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice. For a cozy, comforting touch, a dollop of your favorite non-dairy yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a lovely creaminess and flavor boost.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian meal ideas? Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for wholesome inspiration.

Conclusion

Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this basic veggie soup recipe is a kitchen staple that you’ll return to time and again. Its adaptability means you can make it your own with different vegetables, herbs, and spices, ensuring it never gets boring.

Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a starter for a larger meal, this soup delivers warmth and health in every bowl. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies and keep your cooking budget in check.

We hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your recipe collection, inspiring you to explore more delicious plant-based dishes like the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals. Happy cooking and enjoy your wholesome veggie soup!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Basic Veggie Soup Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients. Perfect for a light meal or starter.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 medium potato, diced”, “1 zucchini, diced”, “1 cup green beans, chopped”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “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, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}