Name: Soup: 5 Steps to the Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (like green beans, peas, or corn); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Hey there, fellow soup lover! If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up, you’re in for a treat with this simple and hearty vegetable soup. Trust me, there’s something magical about the aroma of fresh veggies simmering away on the stove—it just feels like home. This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for beginners who want to dive into the world of cooking. You can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it’ll still come out tasting amazing! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on making your new favorite soup!

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Ingredients for Vegetable Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if preferred)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (like green beans, peas, or corn)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Prepare Vegetable Soup

Making this vegetable soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty bowl of goodness in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking—this is where the magic begins!
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and the onion becomes translucent. Trust me, this is where the flavor starts to build!
Now, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir. Cook for another minute, just until that garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic can be bitter!
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juice!) along with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, then bring everything to a boil. Wow, that smell!
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, add your chopped mixed vegetables. Cook for another 10 minutes until they’re tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà, you’ve got yourself a delicious soup!

Serve it hot, and don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

This hearty vegetable soup is not only comforting but also healthy! Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and serving sizes, so you can enjoy it without any guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
Loaded with fresh vegetables, making it a healthy choice.
Beginner-friendly with simple steps to follow.
Versatile—use any veggies you have on hand.
Comforting and satisfying, a true crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Success

To make the perfect vegetable soup, start with even chopping of your veggies. This ensures they cook uniformly—no one likes crunchy carrots in a soft soup! If you’re running low on ingredients, don’t fret! You can swap in any veggies you have, like zucchini or bell peppers. Just be sure to cut them to a similar size for even cooking. And for leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier! Just reheat gently on the stove, and you’re good to go!

Variations of Vegetable Soup

One of the best things about this vegetable soup is how adaptable it is! If you want to switch things up, try adding some diced potatoes for a heartier texture or throw in some kale or spinach for an extra nutrient boost. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! You can also replace the vegetable broth with chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegan. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor even more. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup is delicious on its own, but if you want to create a complete meal, consider pairing it with some crusty bread or a fresh side salad. A warm loaf of sourdough or a sprinkle of croutons on top can really elevate your experience! You might also enjoy it alongside a simple grilled cheese sandwich for that classic comfort food combo. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to warm up and satisfy your hunger!

FAQ About Vegetable Soup

Got questions about making this delicious vegetable soup? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, “Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?” Absolutely! Frozen veggies can be just as nutritious and save you some prep time. Just add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Another popular question is, “How do I store leftovers?” Simply place the cooled soup in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just let it thaw in the fridge before reheating. Lastly, if you want to make it heartier, can I add beans or lentils? Definitely! They’ll add protein and make the soup even more filling. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile dish!

For more delicious soup recipes, check out this collection of soup recipes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of vegetables, you can read about it here.

For tips on how to store vegetables properly, visit this guide.