Vegetable soup is a classic dish cherished by many for its comforting flavors and health benefits. Whether you’re seeking a light, nutritious meal or simply craving something warm and soothing, this easy vegetable soup recipe is perfect for any occasion. It brings together an assortment of fresh vegetables and hearty ingredients, simmered together to create a wholesome, satisfying bowl of goodness. The best part? This easy vegetable soup recipe is incredibly easy to make and adaptable to various preferences.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making an easy vegetable soup dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. This soup is versatile enough to cater to various dietary needs, whether you’re following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or simply want to enjoy a wholesome meal. It’s also a great way to use up extra vegetables in your kitchen, turning them into a vibrant, savory dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this easy vegetable soup version.
Table of contents
Ingredients
To create a delicious easy vegetable soup recipe, you’ll need a variety of fresh vegetables and basic pantry staples. These ingredients work together to provide a comforting, well-balanced soup. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to get started:
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional for extra greens)
Liquids:
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian version)
- 2 cups water
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Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked pasta (small shapes like elbow macaroni work well)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added brightness)
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant, flavorful base for your easy vegetable soup dish. The vegetables provide natural sweetness and texture, while the broth and seasonings enhance the overall taste. You can also customize the ingredients to your liking, adding in your favorite vegetables or even adding a protein source like beans or lentils.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the easy vegetable soup recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob, and chop the green beans into small pieces. Mince the garlic and set it aside. If you’re adding spinach or kale, wash and chop it into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them for 2–3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step releases the flavors of the garlic and onion, creating a flavorful base for the easy vegetable soup version.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to enhance the flavors of the vegetables and gives them a slight caramelization before adding the liquids.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Water
Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth and water to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Step 5: Add Seasonings
While the soup is simmering, add the dried basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add crushed red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 6: Add the Corn and Green Beans
Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the corn and green beans. These ingredients cook quickly, so allow them to simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes. You want the beans to be tender but still vibrant, and the corn should be heated through.
Step 7: Optional Add-ins
If you’re adding pasta, you can stir it in at this point. Make sure it’s pre-cooked and just needs to be heated through. If you’re using spinach or kale, add it in during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. This allows the greens to wilt down and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Finally, taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences. For a little brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the soup just before serving.
Once the soup is well-seasoned and everything is cooked through, remove the bay leaf, and your easy vegetable soup recipe is ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Additional Tips for a Perfect Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Making an easy vegetable soup dish is a breeze, but a few tips can help you perfect the dish and make it even more delicious. Here are some suggestions to help elevate your soup game:
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Vegetable Broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works just as well. For a lighter version, you can also use water and add more seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- Seasonings: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be used instead of dried herbs. Just be sure to add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavors.
- Greens: If spinach or kale isn’t your preference, you can swap them out for other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: For a protein boost, consider adding cooked beans (like kidney beans or chickpeas) or cooked quinoa.
Storage and Freezing:
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors may intensify as the soup sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this easy vegetable soup version for future meals. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Customizing Your Soup:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables based on what you have available. Bell peppers, tomatoes, or peas would work wonderfully in this soup.
- Spice It Up: If you love spicy food, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup an extra kick.
Looking for quick dinner ideas? Check out these easy crockpot meals or slow cooker chicken soup.
Conclusion
This easy vegetable soup recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick, healthy, and comforting meal. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a dish anyone can make and enjoy. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a side dish, this soup will surely satisfy your cravings for something nutritious and delicious.
So why not give this easy vegetable soup recipe a try today? Don’t forget to share your results with us—leave a comment or tag us on social media to show off your homemade soup creations. And while you’re at it, check out some of our other favorite recipes on the site for even more delicious meal ideas!
Enjoy your homemade vegetable soup and happy cooking!