A warm bowl of vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold day. Our Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe is a medley of seasonal vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a satisfying result.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly pantry staples, with a few exceptions. Seasonal vegetables refer to any fresh produce that is currently in season. This could be anything from zucchini and bell peppers in the summer, to butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in the fall, allowing for a customizable and versatile recipe. Curry powder, a blend of ground spices, is commonly found in the spice aisle, but if you can't find it, a mix of ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper makes a good substitute.
Ingredients for Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor to the soup base and helps in sautéing the vegetables.
Yellow onion: This adds a sweet and savory base flavor to your soup.
Carrots: Known for their high vitamin A content, they add sweetness and color.
Celery: Celery gives a nice crunch and freshness to the soup.
Seasonal vegetables: These add a range of flavors and textures, plus they're a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
Garlic: Garlic provides a pungent, savory note.
Curry powder: This adds a hint of warmth and complexity to your soup.
Thyme: Thyme contributes an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
Tomatoes: They add a tangy flavor and are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant.
Vegetable broth: This forms the base of your soup, providing depth and richness.
Kale: Kale boosts the nutritional profile of the soup, adding a good dose of greens.
Lemon juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
One reader, Ezra Salas says:
This vegetable soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and comforting. The blend of spices and fresh veggies creates a symphony of taste. It's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques Required for Making Tasty Vegetable Soup
How to sauté vegetables: Sautéing vegetables involves cooking them in a small amount of oil or butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until they are tender and slightly browned.
How to simmer soup: Simmering soup involves cooking it over low heat, just hot enough to keep the liquid moving gently but not so hot that it boils vigorously. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify without overcooking the ingredients.
How to season with salt and pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper involves adding the seasonings gradually, tasting as you go, and adjusting to achieve the desired flavor. Remember to season in layers, adding a little at a time and tasting before adding more.
How To Make Tasty Vegetable Soup
This is the tastiest a vegetable soup recipe can get! Enjoy the fresh and flavorful taste of seasonal veggies, from sweet potatoes to butternut squash.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspextra-virgin olive oil,divided
- 1mediummedium yellow onion,or white onion, chopped
- 3carrots,peeled and chopped
- 2stalkscelery,chopped
- 2cupsseasonal vegetables,like sweet potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, potatoes, bell pepper, zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
- 1tspfine sea salt,divided, to taste
- 6clovesgarlic,pressed or minced
- ½tspcurry powder
- ½tspdried thyme
- 28ozlarge tomatoes,diced
- 4cupsvegetable broth
- 2cupswater
- 2bay leaves
- ½tspred pepper flakes,reduce or omit if sensitive to spice
- freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 2cupskale,or collard greens, chard or spinach, chopped, with thick ribs removed
- 1tbsplemon juice
Instructions
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Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
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Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables, and ½ teaspoon of the salt.
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Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, stirring often.
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Add the garlic, curry powder, and thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant while stirring frequently.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
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Pour in the broth and water. Add ½ teaspoon more salt, 2 bay leaves, and the red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
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Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
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Remove the pot from heat and remove the bay leaves.
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Stir in the lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes.
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Divide into bowls and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Storage suggestions: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 4 days. It freezes and defrosts well if you want to freeze extra portions for later.
Nutrition
- Calories: 161.48kcal
- Fat: 9.76g
- Saturated Fat: 1.38g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.24g
- Carbohydrates: 17.38g
- Fiber: 5.06g
- Sugar: 6.22g
- Protein: 3.43g
- Sodium: 471.28mg
- Calcium: 73.08mg
- Potassium: 609.21mg
- Iron: 1.38mg
- Vitamin A: 424.15µg
- Vitamin C: 33.74mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Vegetable Soup Flavor
When adding the garlic, curry powder, and thyme to the pot, it's important to stir them frequently to prevent them from burning. These ingredients can burn easily and when they do, they can give your vegetable soup a bitter taste. Also, when adding the lemon juice at the end, make sure the soup is off the heat. Adding acid to the soup while it's still cooking can cause the vegetables to become tough.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegetable Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prep all your vegetables in advance to save time when you start cooking.
One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of soup and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Use canned vegetables: Consider using canned vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
Invest in a food processor: A food processor can help you quickly chop, slice, and dice vegetables for your soup recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, making them a good substitute in recipes where a less pungent onion flavor is desired.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness to carrots, making them a great substitute in vegetable soups while adding a unique flavor profile.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of celery-like flavor, making it a suitable substitute for celery in soups and stews.
seasonal vegetables - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can be used as a substitute for seasonal vegetables, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, making them a suitable substitute in recipes where a less pungent garlic flavor is desired.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the vegetable soup.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a similar earthy and slightly floral flavor to the soup.
large tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a rich and concentrated tomato flavor to the soup.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth, adding a savory depth of flavor to the soup.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach can be used as a substitute for kale, providing a similar texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, adding a tangy acidity to the soup.
Best Way to Present Tasty Vegetable Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the tasty vegetable soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the soup.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This will not only enhance the flavors but also add a pop of color to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a small handful of homemade croutons or a delicate parmesan crisp on top of the soup to introduce contrasting textures, elevating the overall dining experience.
Mindful portion control: Opt for smaller, carefully measured portions to ensure that each spoonful is a delightful experience, allowing the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the rim of the bowl, ensuring it is clean and free of any drips or spills. This level of detail reflects a commitment to excellence and professionalism.
Artful drizzling: When adding the final touches, use a steady hand to create an artful drizzle of lemon juice around the edge of the bowl, adding a hint of acidity and visual appeal to the dish.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring that the placement of garnishes and the soup itself creates a visually pleasing and harmonious arrangement on the plate.
Use high-quality serveware: Select elegant, high-quality serveware that complements the presentation of the soup, such as a refined soup tureen or a sophisticated, modern bowl that enhances the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Soup
Large Dutch oven or soup pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot used for cooking soups, stews, and other dishes. It allows for even heat distribution and is perfect for simmering.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping the vegetables and garlic with precision.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and mixing the soup while it simmers, a wooden spoon is gentle on the pot's surface and won't scratch it.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the spices and seasonings.
Measuring cups: Used for measuring out the vegetable broth, water, and other liquid ingredients.
Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the soup into bowls.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of diced tomatoes.
Citrus juicer: Used for juicing the lemon to add a bright and fresh flavor to the soup.
Pepper mill: For freshly ground black pepper, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Vegetable Soup
- Let the vegetable soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or multiple smaller containers for easier portion control.
- For refrigerator storage: place the airtight container(s) in the refrigerator and consume within 4-5 days for the best flavor and texture.
- For freezer storage: make sure to leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing. label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- To reheat the frozen soup, you can either:
- Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or
- Place the frozen soup directly into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thawed and warmed through.
- If the reheated soup appears too thick, you can thin it out with a little vegetable broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning of the reheated soup as needed, as flavors may mellow during storage.
- Enjoy your delicious and comforting vegetable soup whenever the craving strikes!
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetable Soup
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover tasty vegetable soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or losing its flavor.
Microwave method: Pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: If you have a large quantity of leftover vegetable soup, transfer it to a slow cooker and reheat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without constantly monitoring it.
Add a splash of broth or water: If the leftover soup has thickened during storage, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to help thin it out and restore its original consistency. This will also help prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning during reheating.
Adjust seasonings: After reheating the soup, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. The flavors may have mellowed or intensified during storage, so you may need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or other seasonings to bring the soup back to its original taste.
Garnish and serve: Once the tasty vegetable soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Random Fact About Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it's also a low-calorie and filling meal option.
Is Making Vegetable Soup at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this vegetable soup recipe is quite high. With a variety of seasonal vegetables and simple pantry staples, it offers a budget-friendly option for a household. The use of vegetable broth and olive oil adds depth without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Vegetable Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This vegetable soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the assortment of vegetables, including onions, carrots, celery, and seasonal vegetables, offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The addition of garlic and herbs like thyme and curry powder not only enhances the flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The inclusion of kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green, further boosts the soup's nutritional value by providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium. The use of vegetable broth and diced tomatoes keeps the soup low in calories and fat while maintaining a satisfying and flavorful profile. Overall, this vegetable soup recipe is a healthy choice that can be enjoyed as a comforting and nourishing meal.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this already healthy soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional protein sources, such as cooked beans, lentils, or quinoa, to make the soup more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with different seasonal vegetables to increase the variety of nutrients and keep the soup interesting
- Reduce the amount of salt used and opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to help control sodium intake
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end of cooking to provide an extra burst of flavor and nutrients
- Serve the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates
Editor's Thoughts on This Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe
This vegetable soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon juice creates a harmonious and satisfying dish. The use of curry powder adds a subtle warmth, while the red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick. The addition of kale brings a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrients. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting and nourishing soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Enhance Your Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Vegetable Soup
Why trust this Tasty Vegetable Soup Recipe:
This vegetable soup recipe is a trusted choice for a wholesome meal. The combination of seasonal vegetables, garlic, and thyme creates a rich, aromatic base. The addition of curry powder adds depth and warmth, while the use of vegetable broth ensures a flavorful and nourishing soup. The inclusion of kale and lemon juice offers a fresh and vibrant finish. With a balance of flavors and a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, this recipe is a reliable option for a satisfying and healthy dish.
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