Welcome, my friends! If there’s one thing that warms the heart and soul, it’s a big bowl of homemade soup. There’s just something magical about the way the flavors meld together, creating a comforting embrace in a cup. This soup recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also perfect for any occasion—whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a gathering with family and friends. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegetarian, which means it’s a wonderful option for everyone at the table. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into the joy of making this delicious and comforting soup together!
Ingredients List
To make this comforting soup, you’ll need some simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to switch things up! If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute the olive oil with butter. And if you’re watching your sodium, using low-sodium broth is a great option. Don’t hesitate to toss in your favorite vegetables—this recipe is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making this soup is really straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re new to the kitchen. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of comfort in no time!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will help to sauté our vegetables and build that lovely flavor base.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion is translucent and everything smells heavenly!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Stir it around to blend with the other veggies.
- Now, pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, and let those flavors mingle.
- Add the chopped green beans and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the pot. This is where the soup really starts to come alive!
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to deepen.
- After 20 minutes, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—seasoning can make all the difference!
- Finally, ladle your delicious soup into bowls, and enjoy it warm. It’s the perfect way to nourish your body and soul!
Remember, you can always adjust the cooking time based on how soft you like your veggies. If you want a chunkier soup, feel free to shorten the simmering time a bit. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Super easy to make, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthy and packed with nutritious vegetables.
- You can customize it with any veggies you have on hand.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!
- Freezes well, so you can save some for later cozy nights.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a quiet evening at home.
Tips for Success
To make sure your soup turns out absolutely delicious, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the sautéing step—it really helps develop those wonderful flavors. If you want to add a bit of depth, consider tossing in a bay leaf while the soup simmers; just remember to take it out before serving!
If you’re looking for a heartier version, feel free to add some cooked beans or lentils. They’re a fantastic way to boost protein and fiber. For a creamier texture, you can purée a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. Just be cautious—hot soup can splatter!
And remember, this recipe is super flexible! Swap in your favorite vegetables or even add some leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition. You can also use vegetable stock instead of broth for a different flavor profile. Enjoy making this soup your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed in this soup! Each serving is approximately 120 calories, making it a light and satisfying option. You’ll get 5g of fat, including just 1g of saturated fat, which is great for heart health. Plus, it’s low in cholesterol—0mg—and provides 3g of protein to keep you feeling full.
This soup also offers 18g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any substitutions you make. Enjoy nourishing your body with every comforting bowl!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great option and can save you time. Just toss them in when you would add the fresh veggies, and they’ll cook perfectly.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This soup will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or a side salad. You could even top it with grated cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch!
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! Since this soup is made with vegetable broth and no animal products, it’s perfect for vegans. Enjoy your comforting bowl!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. This soup will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. If you want to save some for a cozy night later, you can freeze it! Just make sure to leave a little space in the container to allow for expansion when it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat. Give it a stir, and you’re all set for another comforting bowl! Enjoy!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this Chinese vegetable soup recipe or this split pea soup recipe for a warm, hearty meal!
Print
Homemade Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting, Heartwarming Goodness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting soup recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add green beans and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This soup freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soup, comfort food, easy recipe
