Italian veggie soup is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that brings the best of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. Bursting with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for any season.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a wholesome meal to share with family and friends, this recipe delivers on taste and nutrition. The beauty of Italian veggie soup lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand and still create a satisfying, rustic dish.
Plus, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nourishing choice for vegetarians and vegans alike.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step to prepare a delicious pot of Italian veggie soup, highlighting the key ingredients and techniques to get that authentic Italian flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why this soup has become a staple in Italian households and a favorite worldwide.
Ready to cook? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian veggie soup is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together in a cozy, comforting bowl. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The soup offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors—from the tender beans and crisp carrots to the fragrant garlic and basil.
It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it suits many dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to swap or add vegetables according to your taste or what’s in season.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and stores well, making it great for meal prep.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is a fantastic way to boost your veggie intake and explore authentic Italian cooking at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative, for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the zucchini and green beans, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in the cannellini beans and chopped kale or spinach. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as you prefer.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your warm, nourishing Italian veggie soup!
Tips & Variations
“Use fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible to maximize flavor and nutrition.”
Make it heartier: Add cooked pasta, barley, or quinoa during the last 10 minutes of simmering to turn this soup into a more filling meal.
Spice it up: For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite Italian chili powder. Check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a perfect spice mix.
Seasonal swaps: Feel free to use different veggies like bell peppers, butternut squash, or mushrooms based on the season or your preference.
Protein boost: Toss in cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein. You might also like our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more ideas.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg (varies with broth) |
| Vitamin A | 150% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Italian veggie soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic focaccia for dipping. A simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s rich flavors beautifully.
For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a slice of cheesy garlic bread or a warm polenta.
Consider topping your bowl with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese to add extra depth. If you’re looking for more delicious vegetarian ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Conclusion
Italian veggie soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort, nutrition, and vibrant flavors together in one pot. Its versatility makes it a wonderful go-to for busy cooks, picky eaters, and anyone seeking a wholesome meal.
With fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a hearty broth base, this soup warms your soul and nourishes your body.
By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy a delightful taste of Italy right at home, with plenty of room to customize according to your preferences and pantry staples. Whether served as a light starter or a full meal, Italian veggie soup is sure to become one of your favorites.
For more inspiring plant-based dishes, don’t miss our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Italian Veggie Soup
Description: A hearty and flavorful soup packed with fresh vegetables and Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini and green beans; cook 3 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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