Brown Rice Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Comfort Meals

Brown rice vegetable soup is a hearty, wholesome meal that brings warmth and nutrition to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a comforting, healthy dish, this soup combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables.

It’s not only delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your preference.

Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and great for meal prep.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to prepare this nourishing brown rice vegetable soup, share some handy tips and variations, and offer serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Let’s dive in and make a bowl of soul-satisfying goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This brown rice vegetable soup stands out for several reasons. First, brown rice adds a delightful chewiness and a boost of whole grain goodness that keeps you full and energized.

Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its bran and germ, giving you extra fiber and nutrients.

Secondly, the colorful vegetables provide a range of flavors, textures, and antioxidants. This soup is incredibly versatile—you can swap in your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Finally, this soup is simple to make in one pot and requires minimal ingredients and equipment. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week, or cozying up on a lazy weekend.

If you love wholesome, plant-based meals, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for extra umami

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse 1 cup brown rice under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Incorporate spices and rice: Add the rinsed brown rice to the pot along with 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the rice and vegetables with the herbs and spices.
5. Add liquids: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine everything evenly. If you like, add 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for extra depth of flavor.
6. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, or until the brown rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Season and adjust: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, stir in some coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream towards the end of cooking.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add or replace vegetables with what you have—kale, spinach, peas, or corn work wonderfully.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or check out my Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a homemade kick.
• Use leftover rice: If you’re short on time, cooked leftover brown rice can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking instead of raw rice.
• Slow cooker option: Brown rice takes time to cook, but you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours for an even more hands-off approach.
• Protein boost: Add some cooked chickpeas or lentils to increase the protein content.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup shines on its own as a light yet filling meal, but you can pair it with some fresh bread or a side salad for a more complete dinner. Crusty whole-grain bread or garlic breadsticks are excellent companions.

For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top. This soup also pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing herbal tea.

If you want more meal ideas that are wholesome and plant-based, check out my collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration beyond this soup.

Conclusion

Brown rice vegetable soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your tastes. The combination of chewy brown rice and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying texture and flavor profile that nourishes your body and soul.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe delivers warmth and wellness in every spoonful. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for making in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and spices to make it your own signature soup.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love the Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings or try out some Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more delicious plant-based options.

Happy cooking and stay nourished!

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