Wholesome Vegetable Soup Recipe

Warm up your soul with this hearty vegetable soup, bursting with vibrant flavors and packed with nutrients. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re in need of a comforting dish, this soup combines a variety of fresh vegetables with aromatic herbs and spices. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this recipe makes a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients:

• Vegetables:
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup potatoes, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Aromatics:
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Liquid:
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• Herbs and Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Acid:
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and dicing all the vegetables. The size of the pieces can be adjusted based on your preference.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth (or water) to the pot, along with the corn, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Once the vegetables are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness.
7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy it hot with crusty bread or crackers.
8. Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

This wholesome vegetable soup is not just delicious but also highly adaptable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or grains like quinoa or barley for added texture and nutrition. Enjoy!