Ah, soup recipes—aren’t they just the ultimate comfort food? There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup that can turn any day around. I remember my grandmother used to make her famous vegetable soup every Sunday, filling the house with a cozy aroma that made everyone feel welcome. This easy soup recipe is perfect for all occasions, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a heartwarming dish to share with loved ones. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, but don’t worry; it’s super simple to prepare! You’ll find that making a delicious soup doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Just chop up some veggies, let them simmer, and before you know it, you’ll have a pot full of goodness to enjoy. Trust me, this one’s going to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (about 1.5 liters)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cooked beans (optional; can use any variety you prefer)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking, so keep an eye on it!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften up a bit. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook it for just another minute, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we want to keep everything delicious!
- Now it’s time to bring in the big flavors! Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Sprinkle in the dried thyme, add the bay leaf, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil, which should take just a few minutes.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to mingle and develop. So, feel free to take a moment to relax while it bubbles away!
- After your soup has simmered, it’s time to add the chopped kale or spinach. If you’re using cooked beans, toss those in too! Give it a gentle stir and let everything cook for an additional 5 minutes. You want the greens to wilt down but still stay vibrant.
- Finally, don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving! It’s not meant to be eaten, just there to flavor the soup. And there you have it—a delicious, comforting soup ready to warm your heart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with wholesome vegetables, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Each spoonful is bursting with flavor, thanks to the fresh ingredients and herbs.
- Versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies or beans you have on hand.
- A comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for all occasions.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making for a delightful lunch!
Tips for Success
To make this soup recipe truly shine, here are some handy tips! First off, always be careful when handling hot ingredients. Use oven mitts when lifting your pot and keep a safe distance from the hot splashes while sautéing. If you want to add a bit of a kick, consider throwing in some red pepper flakes for a subtle heat—just a pinch will do!
If you’re looking for substitutions, don’t hesitate to swap out the vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes work beautifully! For a creamier texture, try blending a portion of the soup before adding the greens. And if you’re following a specific diet, you can easily make this soup vegan by ensuring your broth is plant-based and skipping any cheese toppings. Your tastebuds will thank you, and so will your heart!
Variations
One of the best parts about soup recipes is how adaptable they are! Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you love or have on hand. Try adding in some sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or throw in a handful of corn for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cumin can add a nice kick!
For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked quinoa or barley—both are excellent sources of fiber! You can even experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this soup your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious soup is easy! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy days when you want a quick meal. If you’d like to store it for longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep it nice and smooth. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to soup recipes, this one is not only comforting but also nutritious! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 4g)
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But rest assured, you’re enjoying a bowl full of wholesome goodness that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! While this recipe is vegetarian, using chicken broth will add a different depth of flavor. Just keep in mind that it won’t be plant-based anymore.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing step. You can start with just a pinch and adjust to your taste!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of soup recipes is their flexibility! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand, such as zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. They’ll all work wonderfully!
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep!
Comforting Soup Recipes: 7 Easy Ways to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy soup recipe perfect for all occasions.
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 diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup cooked beans (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add chopped kale or spinach and cooked beans if using. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- Use any vegetables you have on hand.
- For a creamier soup, blend part of it before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: soup recipes, easy soup, comfort food, vegetable soup
