Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort and Health

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm bowl of soup, and nothing beats a hearty winter vegetable soup that’s both nourishing and comforting. Packed with seasonal vegetables, this recipe brings together the best flavors of the cold months, offering a delicious way to stay healthy and satisfied.

Whether you’re recovering from a chilly day outside or simply craving a wholesome meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Filled with root vegetables, leafy greens, and fragrant herbs, this soup is not only a feast for your taste buds but also for your body. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in a variety of nutrients during the winter season when fresh produce can be scarce. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will soon become your go-to winter warmer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This winter vegetable soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that’s incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, and it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are often staples in your kitchen during the colder months.

The soup is versatile and forgiving—feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s available or your preferences. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible to various dietary needs.

Best of all, it freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy the taste of winter all season long.

Plus, this recipe is a great base to experiment with spices and herbs. For example, if you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of chili powder.

If you’re curious about enhancing your spice blends, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for an exciting twist.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 small rutabaga, peeled and diced (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup kale, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving
• Optional: Immersion blender (if you prefer a creamy texture)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Stir in the carrots, celery, parsnip, sweet potato, and rutabaga if using. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the root vegetables are tender.
6. Add green beans, kale, and cabbage to the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
8. Optional: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, then mix well to maintain some chunkiness.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Feel free to customize your winter vegetable soup by adding any seasonal vegetables you love. Turnips, leeks, or even frozen peas make excellent additions.

• Use homemade vegetable broth for extra depth of flavor.
• For a protein boost, add cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or add a teaspoon of chili powder (see our homemade chili powder blend for inspiration).
• Make it creamy without dairy by blending in cooked potatoes or a splash of coconut milk.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This winter vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread or a warm pita for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple salad such as our Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal or a plate of roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking to keep things light but filling, pair the soup with a side of steamed quinoa or brown rice. You can also serve it as a starter before your favorite vegetarian main course like the Cheeseless Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe That Tastes Amazing.

Conclusion

Embrace the chilly season with this cozy and wholesome winter vegetable soup recipe that’s packed full of nutritious root vegetables and vibrant greens. It’s a simple, hearty dish that’s perfect for warming you up after a cold day or fueling your body with essential vitamins during winter’s lean months.

Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also lends itself to countless variations, so you can keep the flavors fresh and exciting throughout the season. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this soup is a reliable comfort food that nourishes both body and soul.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious, healthy recipes like our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals to keep your winter menu exciting and wholesome all season long!

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