Here’s a simple, hearty vegetable soup recipe — perfect for any season, healthy, and easy to customize.
🥕 Classic Vegetable Soup
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1–2 potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 cup green beans, peas, or corn
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Add potatoes & zucchini
Stir in potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Add optional bay leaf if using.
3️⃣ Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4️⃣ Add quick-cooking veggies
If using peas, green beans, or corn, add in the last 5–10 minutes.
5️⃣ Finish & serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Serve warm.
🍲 Tips & Variations
- Add protein: beans, lentils, or shredded chicken
- Boost flavor: splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or vinegar
- Make it creamy: blend part of the soup and stir back in
- Spice it up: red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or curry powder
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker vegetable soup version that’s super easy for hands-off cooking.
