Description
This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a colorful and nutritious blend of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Loaded with carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, green beans, and peas, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and meal prep. Easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, it offers a warm, satisfying meal that is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté base vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Add main vegetables and broth: Incorporate diced zucchini, red bell pepper, green beans, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and 6 cups of vegetable broth. Season with dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld.
- Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat them through without overcooking.
- Remove bay leaf: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup to avoid an overpowering taste.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Add cooked pasta, rice, or beans to the soup for a heartier and more filling meal option.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- This soup freezes exceptionally well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
