There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps you in comfort and fills your home with the most inviting aroma. This soup easy recipe is perfect for anyone, regardless of your cooking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a hug in a bowl, ideal for chilly evenings or when someone you love needs a little extra warmth.
Making soup has always been a cherished tradition in my family. I remember my grandmother stirring her big pot on the stove, and the whole house would come alive with the smell of simmering vegetables and herbs. Now, I find joy in passing that tradition down, sharing the love and warmth through each spoonful. Plus, the best part? You can easily customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand! So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get ready to create something wonderful together!
Ingredients List
For this comforting soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups vegetable broth: This will be the flavorful base of your soup. You can use low-sodium if you prefer.
- 1 cup diced carrots: Sweet and vibrant, diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold or red potatoes; they add a wonderful creaminess.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor, so chop them well!
- 1 onion, chopped: A must for that aromatic foundation; you’ll want to chop it finely.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor; don’t skip this step!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds a lovely earthiness; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all those flavors!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious homemade soup that warms the heart!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to bring this comforting soup to life!
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. This will help to soften our veggies and build that lovely flavor base.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3–4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. You’ll love the aroma that starts to fill your kitchen!
- Add the vegetables: Next, toss in the diced carrots, potatoes, and chopped celery. Stir everything together and let them cook for another 5 minutes, just to get them a little tender and coated in that delicious oil.
- Pour in the broth: Now, it’s time for the vegetable broth! Carefully pour it into the pot and add the dried thyme. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once you see those lovely bubbles, reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. You might want to check occasionally, just to make sure nothing is sticking!
- Season and serve: After 20 minutes, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it warm, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
And there you have it! A simple, warming soup that’s ready to nourish both body and soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: Each spoonful is a warm hug, filled with the delightful tastes of fresh vegetables and herbs.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious veggies and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a hearty meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in any vegetables you have on hand, ensuring nothing goes to waste!
- Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this simple recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your soup truly shine, here are some practical tips that I swear by!
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh vegetables. They not only taste better but also pack in more nutrients!
- Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your soup while it’s simmering. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking—maybe a bit more salt or a dash of pepper!
- Be Mindful of the Heat: When bringing your soup to a boil, keep an eye on it. You don’t want it to boil over, so lower the heat as soon as those bubbles start appearing.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let your soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Safety First: Always be careful when handling hot pots and pans. Use oven mitts and stir gently to avoid splatters!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be on your way to a perfect bowl of soup every time!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
One of the best things about this soup is its versatility! If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, don’t worry—there are plenty of swaps you can make.
- Broth Options: If you’re not vegetarian, feel free to use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- Protein Boost: For added protein, toss in some cooked beans like kidney or cannellini. They blend perfectly with the flavors!
- Veggies Galore: Use any vegetables you have on hand! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even leafy greens like spinach can be great additions.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs! Rosemary or basil can add a lovely twist to your soup.
- Low-Sodium Options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium broth and use less salt when seasoning.
These substitutions make this soup not only easy but also adaptable to everyone’s taste, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover soup is a breeze! Once it has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep all those delicious flavors intact. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week!
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to get it to your desired consistency. Enjoy your comforting soup just like the first time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a handy breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this comforting soup. Keep in mind, these values are approximations and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
This soup is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, filled with nutritious vegetables to keep you feeling great. Enjoy every wholesome spoonful!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about this soup easy recipe, along with my answers to help you out!
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great option and can save you time. Just toss them in at the same time you would fresh veggies; they’ll cook beautifully.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can always adjust the amount to fit your taste!
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! This recipe is easily doubled. Just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate all those delicious ingredients.
How do I know when the vegetables are cooked through?
The vegetables should be tender but not mushy. You can easily check by piercing them with a fork; if it goes in smoothly, they’re ready!
Can I blend the soup for a creamier texture?
Yes! If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. Just be careful not to over-blend if you want to keep some chunks!
Soup Easy: 7 Comforting Ways to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting soup recipe that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add 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
- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Add cooked beans for extra protein.
- Use any vegetables you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soup easy
