There’s just something about one pot soups that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, don’t you think? They’re the ultimate comfort food, especially on chilly days when all you want is a steaming bowl of goodness. This simple and hearty one pot soup recipe is perfect for beginners and requires minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I love making a big pot of soup when the weather turns cold, and it fills the house with the most delightful aromas! You’ll find that this recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, letting you use whatever veggies you have on hand. So grab your pot, and let’s dive into making some soul-soothing one pot soup that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this cozy one pot soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare One Pot Soups
Getting started on your one pot soup is a breeze! I promise, once you try this method, you’ll find yourself whipping up delicious soups in no time. Grab your largest pot, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Give it a minute to warm up, and then add the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just 1 more minute. You want to smell that heavenly aroma but be careful not to burn it!
- Now, stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes, letting them soften a bit and mix with the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Time to add the diced tomatoes, the vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil—this is where the magic happens!
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
- After 20 minutes, season your soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Then, add the mixed vegetables and the cooked pasta, if you’re using it. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
- Before serving, don’t forget to fish out that bay leaf. It’s done its job!
Now, just ladle that warm, comforting soup into bowls and enjoy every spoonful! Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine, and you’ll feel proud of your culinary creation.
Tips for Success
To make your one pot soup truly shine, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way! First off, chop your vegetables evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you that perfect texture. Also, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go! Adjusting salt and pepper can make a world of difference, so trust your palate.
If you’ve got leftover veggies in your fridge, toss them in! It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and add unique flavors to your soup. And remember, if you find your soup a little too thick, just add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You’re in control here, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Hearty flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients and fiber.
- Versatile—you can use whatever veggies you have on hand.
- One pot means easy cleanup—less mess, more enjoyment!
- Perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Nutritional Information
While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for this delicious one pot soup. Each serving (about 1 bowl) contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a great idea to check the labels if you’re watching your intake!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making one pot soups? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work beautifully in this recipe. Just chop them up and add them in as directed.
How long does leftovers last?
Your one pot soup will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No problem! You can use chicken broth or even water if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor!
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just omit the pasta or use a gluten-free pasta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover one pot soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those comforting flavors later in the week!
If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure it’s completely cool first, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
To reheat, you can put it back on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through, or you can microwave it in a bowl, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If it seems a little thick, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup!
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your one pot soup experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside some warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth! A simple side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette can also complement the soup beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, why not whip up some cheesy garlic bread? Trust me, it pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of the soup. Whatever you choose, you’ll create a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out Tortellini Soup Recipe and Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup Recipe.
Print
One Pot Soups: 7 Steps to Cozy Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and hearty one pot soup recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add mixed vegetables and cooked pasta if using. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your soup!
Notes
- Chop vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use leftover vegetables to reduce waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: one pot soups, easy soup recipe, beginner soup recipe
