There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of vegetarian soup, isn’t there? This simple and hearty vegetarian soup recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something nourishing and easy to whip up. With fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for beginners who might be a bit hesitant in the kitchen. Trust me, once you get the hang of this, you’ll want to make it again and again! Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it simmers is simply irresistible. So, let’s dive right in and create a bowl of goodness that warms both the body and soul!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Make sure to chop the onion and slice the carrots and celery evenly – this helps everything cook at the same rate. Don’t forget to drain and rinse those chickpeas to keep the soup light and fresh! You’ll love how simple it is to prep these ingredients before diving into the cooking process.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté the veggies without burning them.
- Next, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they soften up, stirring occasionally. This step builds the flavor base of your soup!
- Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute. Be careful not to let it burn; garlic can go from perfect to too brown in a flash!
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, dried thyme, and basil. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together.
- After 20 minutes, it’s time to add the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts down. It adds such a lovely pop of color!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—taste as you go and adjust if needed!
- Serve it hot and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors you’ve created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and satisfying, you’ll feel full and happy.
- Loaded with fresh veggies for a healthy boost.
- Great for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
- The flavors get better as it sits, making leftovers delightful.
- Versatile—swap in your favorite vegetables as you like.
Tips for Success
To make this vegetarian soup truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a little more thyme or basil if you love those flavors! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra variety. And if you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully; just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutritional Information
This hearty vegetarian soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 5g of fat, 6g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates, including 6g of fiber. Plus, it’s low in sodium with about 300mg per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so feel free to adjust as you experiment with your own variations!
FAQ Section
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This vegetarian soup recipe is super versatile. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies like zucchini, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Just remember to chop them to a similar size for even cooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day or two ahead of time. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just double-check your vegetable broth to make sure it doesn’t contain any gluten, and you’re good to go!
What should I serve with this soup?
I love pairing this hearty vegetarian soup with a crusty bread or a light salad. A slice of homemade garlic bread is also a fantastic option to soak up all that delicious broth!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious vegetarian soup fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, this soup freezes wonderfully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit!
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it alongside a warm, crusty bread for dipping—there’s just something about bread that makes soup even better. A light, refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette is also a great option to balance the heartiness of the soup. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, don’t hesitate to whip up some homemade garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this collection of soup recipes that will warm your heart!
For tips on how to make your soups even more nutritious, visit Healthline’s guide on healthy soups.
If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian options, consider checking out Vegetarian Times for a variety of recipes and tips.
Print
Vegetarian Soup Recipes: 7 Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and hearty vegetarian soup perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, thyme, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you like.
- This soup freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian soup recipes, easy soup recipes, healthy soup