There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato vegetable soup to soothe the soul and nourish the body. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or simply craving something hearty yet healthy, this soup is a perfect choice.
Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with rich tomato flavor, it’s both comforting and vibrant. What makes this recipe special is its balance of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined into a simple, easy-to-follow method that even beginner cooks can master.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch that feels indulgent without any guilt.
This tomato vegetable soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of nutrients. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in an extra serving of veggies while enjoying a delicious, warming dish.
Whether you prefer it chunky or blended smooth, this recipe adapts beautifully to your taste. Stick around, and I’ll guide you through the entire process, share tips for the best results, and suggest some exciting variations to try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tomato vegetable soup recipe is a kitchen staple for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The ingredients are simple, affordable, and often pantry-friendly, so you can whip it up anytime.
The soup is nutrient-dense, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber from a variety of colorful vegetables. It’s also low in calories but high in flavor, thanks to the fresh herbs and spices that bring depth to every spoonful.
Finally, this soup lends itself to endless customization. Want it heartier?
Add beans or grains. Craving something spicy?
A pinch of chili powder will do the trick. Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal meal prep option.
If you love wholesome, comforting meals, you’ll adore this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans diced tomatoes, 14 oz each)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili powder for a subtle kick
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- Soup ladle
- Bowls for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the diced zucchini and green beans along with the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili powder.
- Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup right in the pot. Alternatively, transfer portions to a blender carefully and blend until your desired consistency is reached. Keep it chunky if you prefer more texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, a small pinch of sugar can balance it out.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For richer flavor, roast the tomatoes and bell peppers before adding them to the soup.”
Customize your soup: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein and extra heartiness. You can also stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice to make it a complete meal.
Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, drizzle in some hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or try the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream to add a velvety texture without dairy.
Seasonal swaps: This recipe is flexible—try adding sweet potatoes in the fall or fresh green peas in the spring. Explore more seasonal inspiration with our Autumn Vegetarian Recipes NZ: Delicious Seasonal Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Fat | 4 g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This tomato vegetable soup is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. For a light meal, pair it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad.
You can also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or vegan flatbread for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
For a heartier meal, consider topping the soup with toasted seeds or nuts for crunch, or a dollop of your favorite vegan yogurt or sour cream alternative. It’s also fantastic garnished with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to brighten up the flavors.
If you love exploring vegetarian recipes, you might enjoy our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more wholesome ideas to complement this soup.
Conclusion
Tomato vegetable soup is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with wholesome nutrition. It’s a warming, flavorful dish that suits every season and every skill level in the kitchen.
With fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato base, this soup will become your go-to recipe for comfort food that’s also nourishing.
What’s more, it’s endlessly adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking or quick weeknight dinners. Whether you enjoy it smooth and creamy or chunky and rustic, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or the Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings for more inspiration. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Tomato Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and healthy tomato vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavors. Perfect for a light meal or starter.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add carrots, celery, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g
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