There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of vegetable soup, especially when made with Paula Deen’s homestyle touch. Known for her Southern charm and rich flavors, Paula’s vegetable soup recipe brings together fresh ingredients and hearty vegetables to create a dish that’s perfect for chilly days, light lunches, or even a nutritious dinner.
This recipe is packed with vibrant colors, textures, and wholesome goodness, making it a favorite in many households. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this soup is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying taste that’s both nourishing and delicious.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and even some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience. Plus, if you love vegetable soups, we’ll also share some related recipes that you can try next for even more variety and flavor inspiration.
Let’s dive into this delightful Paula Deen vegetable soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Paula Deen’s vegetable soup recipe is beloved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile.
You can easily swap vegetables based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand, making it a perfect way to reduce food waste and enjoy seasonal produce.
Second, the recipe balances simplicity with rich flavor. The broth is hearty yet light, allowing the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables to shine through.
Plus, with Paula’s signature touch of seasoning and herbs, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
Lastly, this soup is a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal that’s great for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezing for later, or serving fresh with your favorite bread or salad.
If you enjoy comforting, healthy meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is definitely for you.
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 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Soup bowls for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the oil and onion mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Add the dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the potatoes and carrots to soften.
- Add the zucchini, green beans, and corn kernels to the pot. Stir and continue simmering, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes until all vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! This soup is incredibly forgiving and works well with whatever’s fresh in your fridge or garden.”
If you want a creamier version, you can blend part of the soup and then stir it back in for added texture and richness. Adding a splash of coconut milk or cream can also provide a subtle sweetness.
For extra protein, consider adding cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas in the last few minutes of cooking. If you’re a fan of spice, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Freeze portions for easy meal prep during busy weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 680 mg (varies with broth) |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of homemade bread or a warm garlic baguette. For a light meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
To bulk up the meal, consider adding a side of whole grain crackers or a simple grilled cheese sandwich. If you want to keep it vegan and healthy, a tossed quinoa salad with lemon dressing works perfectly.
For more hearty and wholesome 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 to complement your soup perfectly.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s vegetable soup recipe is a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of wholesome goodness. Its flexibility means you can tailor it to your favorite vegetables and dietary preferences while still enjoying a rich, flavorful broth that warms the soul.
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup embodies the best of Southern home cooking with a healthy twist.
By incorporating fresh herbs, a variety of vegetables, and simple seasonings, you create a nourishing bowl that’s satisfying and light. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make the recipe your own.
For more delicious, plant-based meals, be sure to explore our other recipes like the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal and the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every spoonful of this delightful vegetable soup!
📖 Recipe Card: Paula Deen Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium potato, 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 chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 22 g
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