Delicious Vegetable Soup Recipe | Healthy Eats

Homemade vegetable soup is a comforting, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Not only does it provide a nutritious meal packed with vitamins and minerals, but it's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Plus, making your own soup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s free from preservatives and excess sodium found in many store-bought options.

Ingredients Required

To make a hearty and delicious vegetable soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Vegetables

1. Wash All Vegetables: Ensure all vegetables are thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or pesticides.
2. Peel and Dice: Peel the carrots and potatoes. Dice the onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
3. Mince Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure an even distribution of flavor.

Cooking the Soup

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), and add the dried thyme and basil. Stir well to combine.
6. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add Final Ingredients: Add the green beans and corn kernels to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Adjusting Consistency

• Enhancing Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can also be added towards the end of cooking.
• Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the potatoes with a fork. For a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth or water.

Serving and Storing the Soup

• Serving: Serve the vegetable soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Conclusion

Making vegetable soup at home is an easy and rewarding process that not only nourishes the body but also brings comfort and joy. With these simple steps, you can create a delicious, homemade soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process, and savor every nutritious and delicious spoonful!