If you are craving something comforting, nourishing, and full of wholesome goodness, this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a steaming bowl packed with vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a rich broth that warms you from the inside out. This soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also honors simplicity and healthy eating. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a colorful medley of garden-fresh ingredients in a bowl, this recipe brings a cozy, delightful experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and color. Every vegetable adds a unique touch, while the herbs and broth unify everything into a heartwarming meal.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing that adds a subtle fruity aroma and healthy fats.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, savory foundation flavor when softened.
- Garlic: Provides pungent, aromatic depth enhancing the soup’s savory notes.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch when just cooked.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast and a delicate crunch.
- Zucchini: Softens nicely, adding subtle flavor and tender texture.
- Yellow squash: Offers color and gentle sweetness that balances the soup.
- Green beans: Provides a snap of texture and a fresh, bright flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Adds acidity and richness to the broth.
- Vegetable broth: The savory liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Dried thyme and basil: Classic herbs that bring warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance flavors.
- Frozen corn and peas: Add bursts of sweetness and vibrant color near the end of cooking.
- Lemon juice (optional): A bright finishing touch that lifts all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh garnish to add vibrancy and an herbal note.
How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, gently cooking them for 3 to 4 minutes. This softens their edges and releases a comforting aroma that forms the savory backbone of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Base with Carrots and Celery
Next, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cooking these for another 4 to 5 minutes helps develop sweet and savory notes while beginning to tenderize the vegetables, creating a wonderful texture balance later on.
Step 3: Add the Squashes and Green Beans
Stir in the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and trimmed green beans. Allow the mix to cook for 2 minutes so these veggies start to soften, contributing vibrant color and fresh flavor that makes this soup so appealing.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Frozen Vegetables and Season
Finally, stir in the frozen corn and peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. For an optional zing, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and your hearty vegetable soup is ready to serve.
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your soup with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of green but also injects a fresh, herbal burst that complements the earthy ingredients perfectly. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, warm garlic toast, or a light salad like a tangy arugula with lemon vinaigrette. These sides help make the meal more filling and offer contrast in texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
To make the presentation extra special, serve the soup in rustic bowls or mini bread bowls for a fun twist. You can also offer a toppings bar featuring seeds, croutons, or shredded cheese, so everyone can personalize their soup experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it practical to enjoy throughout the week with minimum effort.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers and leave room for expansion, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and flavor melding. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I add other vegetables to the Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add potatoes, kale, spinach, or even beans to add extra texture and nutrition. Feel free to adapt it to whatever you have on hand.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this entire Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe is vegan-friendly, using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients with no animal products.
How long does it take to make this soup from start to finish?
The total prep and cook time combined is about 45 minutes, making this a relatively quick and easy meal for any weeknight or weekend gathering.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! After sautéing the aromatics, place all ingredients except frozen peas and corn into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the frozen veggies near the end.
What is the best way to thicken the soup if I want it heartier?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, toss in some cooked potatoes or white beans. Alternatively, mash a portion of the soup and stir it back in to give it a creamy texture without adding dairy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe will surely become a joyous ritual in your kitchen. Its vibrant flavors, comforting warmth, and healthy ingredients make it a standout dish that’s easy to love. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, customize it with your favorite vegetables, and share the hearty goodness with friends and family. Soup season has never tasted so delicious!
Print
Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh and frozen vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth with herbs. This easy-to-make vegan soup is perfect for a comforting meal any day and can be customized with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Garnish
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its aroma.
- Add root vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery stalks. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes to slightly soften these firmer vegetables and build flavor.
- Incorporate remaining fresh vegetables: Add chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and trimmed green beans. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and warm through.
- Add diced tomatoes and broth with seasonings: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juice and 6 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add frozen vegetables: Stir in the frozen corn and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat them through but keep their texture.
- Finish and serve: Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup is highly adaptable—feel free to add potatoes, kale, or canned beans to make it more hearty.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for longer storage.
- For a thicker soup, puree a portion and stir back in.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce salt content.
