Ah, the joy of making soups! There’s something so incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, especially on a chilly day. I remember when I first started cooking, feeling a little intimidated by all the fancy recipes out there. But then I discovered that soup is the perfect entry point for beginners! This recipe is so simple, it practically makes itself. You just chop a few veggies, toss them in a pot, and let them mingle with some rich broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! Trust me, once you taste that first spoonful, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy soup recipe that will have you feeling accomplished in no time!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious and comforting soup. I promise, they’re all easy to find and you might even have some of them in your kitchen already!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta (optional, but oh-so-good!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment of making this soup.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step so you can make this delicious soup without a hitch. Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large pot and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers just a little; that’s your cue! This step is crucial because it creates a nice base for your veggies to cook without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your oil is hot, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become nice and soft. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it! You want those veggies to release all their delicious juices.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now it’s time for the garlic! Add the minced garlic and stir it in for just about 1 minute. Be careful here—garlic burns easily and can turn bitter, so keep an eye on it. You just want it fragrant!
Step 4: Combine Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in your vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Make sure to stir everything well to combine. And hey, be cautious while pouring to avoid any splashes! We want to keep our kitchen tidy, right?
Step 5: Season the Soup
Now’s the fun part—seasoning! Sprinkle in the dried basil, and add salt and pepper to taste. I always recommend tasting as you go. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Remember, it’s your soup!
Step 6: Add Pasta
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add pasta, now’s the time! Just toss it in and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Simmer
Lower the heat and let your soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together beautifully. To check for doneness, just taste a bit of the pasta and see if it’s cooked to your liking. And voila, you’re almost there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just about 40 minutes!
- Perfect for beginners—simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving.
- Flavorful outcome that warms your soul with every spoonful.
- Versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or grains.
- Budget-friendly meal that stretches your ingredients further.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—talk about a win!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to help you avoid common mistakes and elevate your cooking game.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: When sautéing your veggies, give them enough space to cook evenly. If you throw too much in at once, they’ll steam instead of sauté, and you won’t get that lovely caramelization. If you’re cooking a big batch, consider doing it in batches!
- Season as you go: It’s easy to forget about seasoning early on, but it’s key to building flavor. Taste your soup as you add ingredients, and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible: Fresh herbs can elevate your soup to new heights! They add a burst of flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. If you have access to basil, parsley, or thyme, chop some up and toss them in at the end for a fresh finish.
- Let it simmer: Don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing your soup to simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, the soup will still be good, but trust me, the longer you let it simmer, the more delicious it will be.
- Keep it simple: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stick to the basics. This recipe is forgiving, so you can play around with flavors and ingredients without worrying. You can always add more or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a perfect bowl of soup that you can be proud of. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious soup, let’s talk about how to store those leftovers properly, because trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop!
First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make your soup watery. I usually like to divide it into smaller portions, making it easy to grab just what I need later on.
You can store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed! If you think you won’t finish it in that time frame, you can freeze it instead. Just pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop. Just pour the soup into a pot, heat it over medium-low heat, and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. This way, you can add a splash of extra broth or water if it’s thickened up too much.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Just transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning again if needed after reheating!
And there you have it—simple storage and reheating instructions that make enjoying your homemade soup even easier. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this comforting soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make for a hearty meal. Enjoying a bowl will warm you up inside and out, and with this kind of nutrition, it feels even better!
FAQ Section
Can I add different vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! One of the best things about soup is how versatile it is. Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just remember to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water with a splash of soy sauce or a bit of bouillon for flavor. Alternatively, chicken broth works well too if you’re not strictly vegetarian.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add some cooked rice, quinoa, or even a mashed potato. Another trick is to blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamy texture while keeping some chunky bits for that delightful heartiness!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day or two in advance, and it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How long can I store the leftovers?
You can keep your homemade soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to save it for longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat!
Soups: 7 Simple Steps to Make Delicious Homemade Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious soup recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- If using, add pasta and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade soup!
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soups, easy soup recipe, beginner soup recipe
