Vegetable Soup Recipe

There’s just something effortlessly comforting about a big pot of Vegetable Soup simmering away on the stove. Brimming with colorful veggies and nourishing broth, it’s a dish I find myself turning to time and again for its heartwarming simplicity and wholesome flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal, prepping for chilly weather, or seeking an easy crowd-pleaser, this Vegetable Soup ticks all the boxes. With its medley of tender potatoes, sweet carrots, hearty beans, and an herby tomato base, it delivers spoonful after spoonful of veggie-packed goodness that everyone at the table will adore.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make something so nourishing and delicious. Every veggie and herb brings its own punch of flavor, color, or creaminess to this Vegetable Soup, making it so much more than the sum of its parts!

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables as they cook.
• Onion: Sautéed onion forms a sweet, savory base for the entire soup.
• Garlic cloves: A pop of fragrant flavor that lifts the broth beautifully.
• Carrots: Bring sweetness and a gorgeous orange hue to your bowl.
• Celery stalks: Offer up aromatic freshness and subtle crunch.
• Potato: Diced potato makes the soup extra hearty and satisfying.
• Zucchini: Its tenderness complements the other veggies perfectly.
• Green beans: Add a tender snap and vibrant color as they cook.
• Diced tomatoes with juice: Give the soup its robust, tangy tomato base.
• Vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup; use a good-quality broth for best results.
• Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, perfect for a cozy depth of flavor.
• Dried basil: Adds a lovely herby sweetness throughout the broth.
• Bay leaf: A classic for infusing soups with subtle complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
• Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end, they stay vibrantly green and sweet.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a splash of freshness as the finishing touch.

How to Make Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Gently sauté everything for about 5 minutes. The veggies will start to soften, and your kitchen will fill with that magical aroma only a homemade soup can bring. This step creates an incredibly flavorful foundation for your Vegetable Soup.

Step 2: Add the Hearty Veggies and Broth

Now it’s time to pile in the heartier vegetables—potato, zucchini, and green beans—along with your can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), the rich vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors can start mingling. Bring the pot up to a gentle boil, then immediately turn the heat down to simmer. Let it bubble quietly away for 25 to 30 minutes, until all the veggies are fork-tender and the soup has developed a lovely, deep flavor.

Step 3: Finish with Peas and Parsley

When your vegetables are nearly done, stir in the frozen peas. They only need about 5 minutes to become plump and tender, giving a pop of sweetness right at the end. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before tasting the soup and adjusting the seasoning as needed. Just before serving, sprinkle in that fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish.

How to Serve Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Vegetable Soup with freshly chopped parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. Grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon are also amazing if you’d like to mix things up and enhance the freshness.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm rolls make ideal companions, perfect for soaking up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad adds a crisp counterpoint, or you can serve the soup alongside a whole grain like farro, quinoa, or brown rice for an even heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Vegetable Soup in rustic mugs for a cozy gathering or ladled into hollowed-out bread bowls for a bit of drama at the table. For kids (or just for fun!), top with fun-shaped croutons or a swirl of pesto for a vibrant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Vegetable Soup keeps beautifully, so don’t hesitate to double the batch! Let leftovers cool, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making day-two soup even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup is perfect for freezing! Let the Vegetable Soup cool fully, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to three months, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings or for meal prepping ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, simply bring the soup back to a gentle simmer on the stovetop (add a splash of broth or water if needed). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works well too—just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I add other vegetables to Vegetable Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is endlessly flexible—try adding corn, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or even sweet potatoes. It’s a wonderful way to use up odds and ends from your fridge or garden.

Can I include pasta or beans in Vegetable Soup?

Yes! For extra heartiness, toss in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans, or stir in a handful of small pasta shapes. Just add pasta toward the end so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.

Is Vegetable Soup gluten-free?

As written, this Vegetable Soup is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your broth is certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive. Avoid adding regular pasta unless you choose a gluten-free variety.

Can I make Vegetable Soup in advance?

Definitely. In fact, Vegetable Soup often tastes even better the next day. Make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make Vegetable Soup more savory or rich?

A little extra sautéing, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or adding a parmesan rind to the pot while simmering (remove before serving) can all deepen the flavor. You can also finish with a swirl of olive oil or pat of vegan butter for added richness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Vegetable Soup a try and discover just how comforting, adaptable, and delicious homemade soup can be. It’s a classic for a reason—simple, good-for-you ingredients coming together in a way that’s always satisfying. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just seeking a nourishing meal for yourself, this soup is sure to warm your heart and your kitchen!

Print