Comforting Vegetable Soup for Any Occasion

Introduction

There’s something undeniably soothing about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty flavors. This vegetable soup recipe is not only easy to prepare but also allows for endless variations based on what you have on hand.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or seeking a light yet satisfying meal, this soup will hit the spot. With its fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect as a starter or a main dish Comforting Vegetable Soup for Any Occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions & Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir in the chopped spinach (or kale) and green beans. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and the green beans are tender.
8. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

FAQs Comforting Vegetable Soup for Any Occasion

What can I do if the soup is too bland?

If the soup lacks flavor, consider adding more herbs or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be added directly to the pot; just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if my soup is too thin?

If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or simmering it uncovered to reduce.

How can I make this soup heartier?

For a heartier version, consider adding cooked quinoa, lentils, or pasta.

Can I add beans to this soup?

Absolutely! Canned beans such as chickpeas or white beans can be added for extra protein.

How can I scale this recipe for a smaller portion?

You can easily halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

What if I want to add more spices to the soup?

Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, coriander, or red pepper flakes for added heat.

How can I incorporate more greens into this soup?

You can add other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula in place of or in addition to spinach or kale.

Conclusion Comforting Vegetable Soup for Any Occasion

This vegetable soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

Next time you’re in need of a quick and nutritious dinner, remember this soup recipe. With its wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Comforting Vegetable Soup for Any Occasion

Make soup recipe with clear steps, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 medium carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir in the chopped spinach (or kale) and green beans. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and the green beans are tender.
8. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.

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