Quick Vegetable Soup Recipe
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Quick Vegetable Soup Recipe is a delightful and nutritious meal that can be prepared in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting lunch.
This Quick Vegetable Soup is a family favorite, packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor. It's an easy way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a warm, comforting meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh vegetables
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients or leftovers
The Benefits of Homemade Vegetable Soup
Making your own vegetable soup at home not only ensures that you know exactly what goes into your meal, but it also allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. Store-bought soups often contain preservatives and high levels of sodium, which can detract from the health benefits of the vegetables. By preparing your soup from scratch, you can create a nourishing dish that’s both delicious and wholesome.
Additionally, homemade soup is a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet. Each serving is packed with vitamins and minerals, contributing to your daily nutritional needs. Using fresh, seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor but also supports local farmers, making your meal a healthier choice for you and the environment.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Quick Vegetable Soup is an ideal choice for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick lunches or dinners. Just reheat and enjoy! This convenience means you can enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days.
Moreover, the soup can be customized according to your preferences or what you have on hand. If you have leftover vegetables from other meals, feel free to toss them into the mix. This flexibility not only reduces food waste but also allows you to experiment with different flavors each time you make it.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Quick Vegetable Soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavors and add a refreshing touch. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick to the dish.
You can also transform this soup into a heartier meal by adding protein sources such as beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. This not only makes it more filling but also boosts its nutritional value, making it a complete meal that satisfies both hunger and health goals.
Ingredients
Vegetable Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Feel free to add any other vegetables you enjoy!
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add Garlic and Zucchini
Stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the chopped bell pepper, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Finish with Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot and enjoy your quick vegetable soup!
Tips for Success
When making vegetable soup, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. Opt for seasonal vegetables whenever possible, as they tend to be more flavorful and nutritious. Additionally, don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking times based on the vegetables you choose; some may require longer cooking times than others.
Another great tip is to sauté your vegetables before adding the broth. This technique helps to develop a deeper flavor and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. A good sauté can transform your soup from ordinary to extraordinary with just a bit of extra effort.
Storing and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your vegetable soup is straightforward. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months. Be sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator or freezer, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup any day of the week!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this soup. Just add them in during the cooking process.
→ How long does this soup last in the fridge?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! This soup is already vegetarian if you use vegetable broth.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
You can add any vegetables you like such as broccoli, peas, or corn, and even some cooked pasta or rice for extra substance.
Quick Vegetable Soup Recipe
This Quick Vegetable Soup Recipe is a delightful and nutritious meal that can be prepared in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting lunch.
Created by: Eden Clarke
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Vegetable Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped bell pepper, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 4g