Homemade Vegetable Soup is a hug in a bowl! It’s that warm, comforting dish that instantly brings back childhood memories of grandma’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of simmering vegetables and love. This isn't just any soup; this is Homemade Vegetable Soup, packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor that will nourish your body and soul.
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Like most of you, I’m always looking for ways to put healthy, delicious meals on the table quickly. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge. Get ready for a simple, satisfying soup that will become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
This Homemade Vegetable Soup recipe is more than just easy; it's incredibly satisfying. The vibrant flavors of the vegetables combine beautifully to create a soup that's both healthy and delicious. It's also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
I remember one particularly cold winter evening when my kids were feeling a little under the weather. I whipped up a batch of this soup, and within minutes, their spirits were lifted. The warmth, the aroma, and the comforting taste instantly made them feel better. That’s the kind of magic this soup holds! Plus, you can easily tweak it to suit picky eaters. If your kids don’t like big chunks of vegetables, blend a portion!
This recipe is special because it uses simple techniques to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Roasting some of the vegetables before adding them to the soup gives it an incredible depth of flavor that you won't get with just boiling. It's a game changer! I love to make homemade vegetable soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to dip in and sometimes I even add a few croutons. Mmm!
Ingredients Needed for This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Green Beans: 1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Corn: 1 cup, frozen or fresh
- Peas: 1 cup, frozen or fresh
- Dried or fresh Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or basil, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is the key that builds the soup’s base flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Incorporate the Root Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed!
Introduce the Greens: Add the green beans, corn, and peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning to your personal tastes. Some people are heavy handed with salt so it’s best to add a little and then try it out.
Season and Simmer: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning (or fresh herbs), salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
How to Serve This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
This Homemade Vegetable Soup is delicious on its own as a light lunch or dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.
- Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Toppings: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, croutons, fresh herbs, or a swirl of pesto.
How to Store This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Find more comforting meal inspiration on Tastivate!
Tips to Make This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Roast the Vegetables: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast some of the vegetables (like carrots, onions, and potatoes) before adding them to the soup. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor to the soup. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best results.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, beans, lentils, or tofu.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy. Cook them until they are tender-crisp for the best texture.
Helpful Notes for This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Vegetable Broth: You can use store bought or homemade vegetable broth for this recipe.
- Diced Tomatoes: I recommend using canned diced tomatoes for convenience, but you can also use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and chop them before adding them to the soup.
- Herbs: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt: Adjust the amount of salt to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
- Olive Oil: You can substitute other cooking oils like vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Variation of This Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Creamy Vegetable Soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture. Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
- Lentil Vegetable Soup: Add a cup of red lentils to the soup for a hearty, protein packed meal. Rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot.
- Chicken Vegetable Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken to the soup for a filling and flavorful variation. Looking for a quick dinner idea? Find inspiration at Tastivate!
- Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup: Add a generous amount of chopped fresh basil to the soup for a bright, aromatic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables are best for homemade vegetable soup?
A great combination includes carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and beans. However, you can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, based on your preference and what’s in season.
How can I make my homemade vegetable soup more flavorful?
The key to enhancing the flavor of your homemade vegetable soup is to use a good quality broth as a base and season generously. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf, or even a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.
Can I freeze homemade vegetable soup?
Yes, homemade vegetable soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some room at the top as the soup will expand when freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This Homemade Vegetable Soup recipe is a testament to the fact that you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a delicious and comforting meal. I hope you enjoy making this soup as much as I do. It warms the heart and nourishes the body, and I think you are truly the best vegetable soup recipe creator. It's a simple, wholesome dish that's perfect for any occasion. Please share your comments or questions below. I would love to hear how it turns out.
Homemade Vegetable Soup: The BEST Easy Recipe!
A comforting and easy Homemade Vegetable Soup recipe packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 6g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the green beans, corn, and peas. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the dried Italian seasoning (or fresh herbs), salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider roasting the carrots, onions, and potatoes before adding them to the soup.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.