If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe is made just for you. It’s a delightful medley of garden-fresh veggies simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth, delivering a satisfying meal that feels like a big, nourishing hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a wholesome lunch, this soup is a timeless favorite that promises to brighten any day with its colorful ingredients and inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color, creating a rich tapestry that’s both nutritious and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup come alive in your kitchen.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky base that enhances the flavors of the vegetables as they sauté.
- 1 large onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth that makes every spoonful inviting.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Brings a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a subtle crispness and depth to the vegetable blend.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds a comforting, hearty texture that fills you up.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Introduces a tender bite with gentle, mild flavor.
- 1 yellow squash, diced: Complements the zucchini, contributing a lovely golden hue.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Adds a fresh snap and vibrant green color.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Sweet bursts of flavor and a pleasing pop in texture.
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen): Provides a bright, slightly sweet note and tender texture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle tang and rich body to the broth.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful, comforting base that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that lifts the soup’s earthy tones.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic undertone to balance the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a warm, slightly peppery note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a final fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor.
How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it gently until it turns soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. This initial step builds a sweet and savory foundation that will carry the rest of the flavors.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the onions soften, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for another minute until its fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Garlic is that little magic ingredient that makes the soup cozy and inviting.
Step 3: Cook Hard Vegetables
Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the vegetables to start softening, providing a hearty texture and enhancing their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Stir in Softer Vegetables
Time to bring in the zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, corn, and peas. These veggies offer tender bites and colorful contrast that brighten up the soup visually and on your palate.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Herbs
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so the flavors meld beautifully and every spoonful is bursting with savory goodness.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer helps all the vegetables to become tender and infuses the broth with deep, layered flavors.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and add any extra salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish that wakes up all the senses.
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice here, adding a punch of color and herbaceous freshness. If you want to get creative, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add wonderful richness and depth, elevating this humble soup to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a warm, crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad to complement the hearty vegetable flavors. A slice of garlic bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich can also turn this into a full, satisfying meal every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—perfect for a cozy gathering. Alternatively, portion it into mason jars for an adorable and portable lunch option. Adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top can provide a pleasant crunch and elevate the texture experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve all those fresh flavors and simply reheat when you’re ready for a quick, nourishing meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors meld perfectly again. If it feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a bit of extra vegetable broth or water to return it to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can actually enhance the texture and flavor, as long as they are at their peak freshness. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if needed, as fresh veggies may cook faster or slower than frozen.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of dietary preferences without any special modifications.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Definitely! Adding cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas, or even lentils, turns the soup into a more filling meal. For a non-vegetarian option, shredded chicken works wonderfully after simmering the vegetables.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To spice things up, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the herbs or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce. Fresh chopped jalapeños sautéed with the onion also add a nice kick.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then transfer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting, wholesome goodness of this Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe. It’s straightforward, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable—a true kitchen classic to share with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and discover just how satisfying a simple bowl of soup can be. Happy cooking and warm wishes!
Print
Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and nutritious vegetable soup packed with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth infused with herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook root vegetables: Add sliced carrots, celery, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften them slightly.
- Add remaining vegetables: Stir in the diced zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, corn, and peas, mixing thoroughly with the other vegetables.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and herbs: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Add dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- You can substitute or add any seasonal vegetables as desired to customize the soup.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Using low-sodium vegetable broth lets you control the salt content better.
- To make it vegan and gluten-free, ensure the vegetable broth and canned tomatoes contain no animal products or additives.
