If you’re looking for a nourishing, colorful, and wonderfully comforting dish that comes together in no time, this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe is an absolute keeper. It’s packed with fresh veggies, vibrant herbs, and cozy warmth, making it perfect for any day you want a satisfying meal without fuss. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will make you fall in love with homemade soup all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, with everyday ingredients that bring incredible depth and freshness to the bowl. Every item plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding a touch of sweetness, a bit of bite, or that lovely leafy green pop of color.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the aromatics perfectly.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, savory base flavor that melts into the broth.
- Garlic: Gives the soup an irresistible aromatic punch.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a bright orange hue.
- Potatoes (Yukon gold or red): Offer comforting creaminess and a hearty bite.
- Green beans: Add a fresh, crisp texture that balances the softer veggies.
- Corn kernels: Contribute a subtle sweetness and cheerful yellow color.
- Green peas: Small bursts of sweetness and vibrant green tones.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Infuse the broth with bright acidity and a hint of tang.
- Vegetable broth (low sodium preferred): The flavorful foundation that ties all ingredients together.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant combination of herbs that enrich the taste.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth and complexity.
- Spinach or kale: Leafy greens that bring nutrition and a lovely color contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that every great soup needs, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Introduce the Root Vegetables
Next, stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the potatoes and carrots a little head start on softening and helps release their natural sweetness into the pot.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (with all their juicy goodness), then toss in the bay leaf and Italian seasoning. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil. This is where the vegetables’ flavors begin to infuse the broth, creating that comforting soup essence.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to a low simmer, keeping the pot uncovered. Let everything cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are almost tender. This slower cooking allows the soup to meld beautifully without losing that fresh veggie taste.
Step 5: Add the Tender Green Veggies
Now it’s time to add the green beans, peas, corn kernels, and your choice of spinach or kale. Simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes to cook these fresh additions just enough so they stay vibrant and retain a little bite.
Step 6: Finish and Season
Remove the bay leaf, then taste your soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup rest a few minutes off the heat before serving—it helps all those flavors settle and deepen. You’re now ready to enjoy your wholesome creation!
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few grates of Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can add an unexpected brightness and richness that makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, whether a warm baguette or a hearty multigrain loaf, perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop. A light green salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich also make excellent companions for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mason jars for a casual gathering. You can also jazz it up by topping with crispy roasted chickpeas or a dollop of herbed yogurt for extra texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This vegetable soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day after the flavors mingle overnight.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer with ready-to-go meals, this soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy a quick, healthy meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as gentle reheating best preserves texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even add some diced celery for extra crunch. Just keep in mind different vegetables may require adjustments to cooking time.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, when using vegetable broth and skipping any dairy garnishes, this soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the leafy greens in the last 30 minutes so they don’t overcook.
How can I make the soup more filling?
Add cooked beans, lentils, or even small pasta shapes towards the end of cooking. These additions will boost the protein and heartiness of the soup, turning it into a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
What’s the best way to adjust seasoning if the soup tastes bland?
Start by adding a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper, then a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to brighten flavors. Sometimes a little acidity goes a long way in elevating the taste of vegetable soups.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe a try means welcoming a warm, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal into your kitchen with ease. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh veggies, brighten your day, and bring comfort to your table all at once. I can’t wait for you to taste how simple ingredients come together so beautifully in this classic soup!
Print
Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and easy vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and fragrant spices. This comforting soup is perfect for a nourishing meal and can be prepared quickly on the stovetop, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy days at home.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
Liquids & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
- Cook Root Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the bay leaf and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are nearly tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the green beans, corn kernels, green peas, and chopped spinach or kale. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until all vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Season: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving.
Notes
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- Feel free to substitute kale with spinach or any leafy green of your choice.
- This soup can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Adding beans or lentils can increase protein content if desired.
