Hearty Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s especially comforting on chilly days, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This hearty vegetable soup recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy during colder months.

The preparation time for this soup is approximately 30 minutes, while the total cooking time will depend on how long it takes your broth or stock to simmer. You'll be able to serve about four generous portions of soup with this recipe. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that you can prepare in advance and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 celery sticks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups mixed vegetables (such as green beans, peas, and corn)
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

In a large pot or soup kettle, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the carrots and celery to the pot, along with the minced garlic. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft but not browned.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once it boils, add the mixed vegetables (green beans, peas, corn), chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and dried thyme. Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
If you prefer, garnish your soup with fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

Vegetable soup is not only easy to make but also customizable. Feel free to add more or different vegetables based on what’s in season or available at your local market. You can even experiment by adding other spices like cumin, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.

This hearty vegetable soup is perfect for a quick dinner when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain bread, which adds another layer of texture and flavor.

Storage

If you prepare extra portions, the leftover vegetable soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to three months. Reheating the soup is easy—simply place it in a pot and warm over low heat until hot throughout.

Variations

To give your vegetable soup an exciting twist, you can try these variations:

Minestrone Soup: Add extra beans like cannellini or borlotti. You could also include small pasta pieces such as ditalini for a heartier texture.
Mexican Style: Include corn, black beans, and cilantro for that Mexican flavor. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice before serving.
Greek Style: Add feta cheese and olives to your soup for a Mediterranean touch. You might also want to drizzle it with olive oil before serving.

Experimenting with different ingredients can make this soup a versatile part of your meal routine. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl on a cold day or a satisfying side dish at lunch, vegetable soup is always a great choice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This hearty vegetable soup not only satisfies but also provides essential nutrients. It’s rich in fiber from the vegetables and chickpeas which helps support digestive health. The combination of various vegetables also offers a wide array of vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, and B-complex vitamins.

For those following a plant-based diet, this soup is an excellent source of protein thanks to the chickpeas and can be enjoyed guilt-free with its low-fat content. Incorporating vegetable soup into your weekly meal plan can contribute significantly towards meeting daily dietary needs while providing a delightful taste experience.

p>Enjoy this delicious, nutritious vegetable soup and impress family and friends with your cooking skills!