I cook this vegetable soup to eat every day! The soup is so delicious!

 

🥕🥦 Everyday Vegetable Soup — A Flavorful, Nourishing Classic

---

🧭 Introduction

Vegetable soup is one of the most comforting, versatile, and wholesome dishes you can make. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or a light yet satisfying meal. The beauty of a well-crafted vegetable soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

This recipe focuses on layering flavors with fresh vegetables, herbs, and broth, creating a rich, savory bowl that’s both filling and refreshing. Plus, it's packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants—ideal for everyday health.

---

🧾 Ingredients Breakdown (Serves 6)

Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional for added creaminess)

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)

• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach (or any leafy green you prefer)

Broth & Liquids:

• 8 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought low sodium)

• 1 cup water (optional, to adjust consistency)

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 bay leaf

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten the soup before serving)

---

🥄 Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Wooden spoon or ladle

• Measuring spoons and cups

---

⏰ Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40–50 minutes

• Total Time: 60–70 minutes

---

🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Wash all vegetables thoroughly.

• Dice onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper evenly for uniform cooking.

• Mince the garlic finely to release maximum flavor.

• Trim green beans and chop into bite-sized pieces.

• Chop leafy greens roughly.

• Have all your spices and broth ready.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery (this combination is called mirepoix and forms the flavor base).

3. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

---

Step 3: Add Root Vegetables and Spices

1. Stir in diced potatoes (if using), red bell pepper, and green beans.

2. Add thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf.

3. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

4. Stir well to coat veggies with spices.

---

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

1. Add the vegetable broth to the pot.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes and green beans are tender.

---

Step 5: Add the Softer Vegetables

1. Stir in zucchini, corn kernels, and chopped tomatoes.

2. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to allow the zucchini to cook but remain firm.

3. Add chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes to wilt the greens.

---

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Brightness

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

2. Remove the bay leaf.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice to add brightness and balance flavors.

4. Add fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish.

---

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Ladle the soup into bowls.

• Serve with crusty bread, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (optional), or a drizzle of good olive oil.

• This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light sandwich.

---

🧠 Why This Soup Is So Good and Healthy

• Variety of Vegetables: This mix ensures a spectrum of nutrients, colors, and textures.

• Low in Calories, High in Fiber: Great for digestion and fullness.

• Herbs and Spices: Add flavor without extra salt or fat.

• Lemon Juice: Enhances flavors and adds a dose of vitamin C.

• Versatility: Swap veggies depending on season or preference.

---

🧂 Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons

• Swap kale for Swiss chard, collard greens, or spinach.

• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a sweeter flavor and more vitamin A.

• Add beans (cannellini, chickpeas, or kidney beans) for added protein.

• Use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.

• Add a can of drained diced tomatoes for extra tomato flavor.

• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño during the sauté step.

• Add cooked pasta or grains (quinoa, barley) near the end for a heartier meal.

---

🥡 Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• This soup freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.

• If soup thickens after storage, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

---

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.

• Add crunchy croutons or toasted nuts/seeds for texture.

• Pair with a hearty sandwich, grilled cheese, or avocado toast.

• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or grain salad for a full meal.

---

👩‍🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Vegetable Soup Every Time

• Cut veggies evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

• Don’t overcook the greens; add them last for vibrant color and texture.

• Use homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought version for best flavor.

• Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually.

• If the soup tastes flat, a splash of acid (lemon or vinegar) brightens everything up.

• For richer flavor, roast some vegetables beforehand and add to the pot.

---

📜 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving Approximate)

• Calories: 150

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sodium: Variable based on broth and added salt

---

🧑‍🍳 Cultural Context and Variations

Vegetable soup is a universal dish, enjoyed worldwide with regional spins. For example:

• Minestrone adds pasta, beans, and Italian herbs.

• Avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup) uses eggs and lemon.

• Borscht incorporates beets for color and tang.

• Asian vegetable soups might use ginger, miso, and soy sauce.

This recipe can serve as your base and be adapted to any cuisine or flavor profile by swapping herbs, spices, and additions.

---

❤️ Final Thoughts

Making vegetable soup every day is a wonderful habit—it’s nourishing, easy to prepare in batches, and endlessly versatile. With fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a balance of textures, this soup satisfies cravings for comfort food while supporting a healthy lifestyle.

If you want, I can help you create meal plans around this soup, suggest side dishes, or tailor it to specific dietary needs. Just let me know!