There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when it’s homemade with fresh ingredients and packed full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply enjoy a nourishing, wholesome meal, this vegetable soup recipe checks all the boxes.
It’s versatile, easy to make, and customizable to whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra nutrients while enjoying a hearty, satisfying dish.
From the rich aroma simmering on your stove to the vibrant colors in your bowl, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the best recipe for homemade vegetable soup, highlighting why it stands out, the essential ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you tailor this soup to your taste buds.
Let’s dive in and make a soup that’s both delicious and good for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable soup recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It uses fresh, wholesome vegetables and a few pantry staples to create a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Flexibility is one of the best things about this recipe. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have in your fridge.
It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s rich and satisfying without being heavy.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out other Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or explore some creative Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to keep your veggie game strong and exciting!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Yellow onion, chopped | 1 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
Celery stalks, diced | 2 stalks |
Potatoes, peeled and cubed | 2 medium |
Zucchini, chopped | 1 medium |
Green beans, trimmed and cut | 1 cup |
Diced tomatoes (canned, no salt added) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
Bay leaf | 1 |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper, freshly ground | To taste |
Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons, for garnish |
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Bowl for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to simmer gently.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the chopped zucchini and green beans to the pot. Continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and ladle into bowls for serving.
Tips & Variations
“To maximize flavor, use homemade vegetable broth if possible. Roasting your vegetables before simmering can add a lovely caramelized depth to the soup.”
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables depending on the season or what’s available in your pantry. For example, adding chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking will add a boost of nutrients and color.
If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
For added protein, toss in cooked beans or lentils during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This turns your vegetable soup into a complete meal.
To explore more vegetable-rich recipes, check out these favorites: Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 4g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sodium | 400mg (adjust with broth choice) |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup is wonderful served piping hot with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll on the side. For a heartier meal, pair it with a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.
If you want to add some creaminess without dairy, a swirl of coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream can be stirred in just before serving. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top.
For a complete meal, consider serving this soup alongside this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth.
Conclusion
Homemade vegetable soup is a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. It’s nourishing, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes and the seasons.
With a few simple ingredients and some patience to let the flavors meld, you can create a delicious, wholesome soup that warms the soul and satisfies the palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a comforting, hearty format. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite veggies, herbs, or even a splash of spice.
Remember, cooking is all about creativity and joy in the kitchen.
For more inspiration, be sure to explore other fantastic vegetable-based recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Recipe for Homemade Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 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 zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes.
- 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 and enjoy.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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