basic homemade vegetable soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic homemade vegetable soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this basic homemade vegetable soup recipe with you! It’s a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, and I’ve made it my own by adding some personal touches.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and watching the soup simmer on the stovetop. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and teaching them about the importance of healthy eating. As for me, I love how this recipe allows me to use up any leftover vegetables we have on hand, reducing food waste and saving us money.

Plus, it’s just so comforting to have a warm, nourishing bowl of soup ready whenever we need it. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for a family gathering, this recipe is sure to please. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. My husband loves it when I add some crusty bread or a side salad to round out the meal. We’ve even served it at potlucks and family gatherings, where it’s always a hit.

So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on this delicious journey together! My grandmother used to say that soup is like a big hug in a bowl – it warms the heart and fills the belly. And I couldn’t agree more.

With this recipe, you’ll be making more than just a meal – you’ll be creating memories with your loved ones.

Basic Homemade Vegetable Soup

4.9 from 729 votes

A hearty and comforting vegetable soup made with fresh ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Vegetables

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium potato, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup spinach, chopped

For the Broth

6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
4Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5The garlic should become fragrant.
6Add the diced potato, green beans, and vegetable broth to the pot.
7Stir well to combine.
8Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
9Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
10The potatoes should be tender.
11Stir in the diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
12Add salt and pepper to taste.
13Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
14The soup should have a rich, aromatic scent.
15Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and is fully incorporated into the soup.
16The soup should be a vibrant green color.
17Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
18Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
19Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
20The soup should be thick and hearty, with a comforting aroma.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

This basic homemade vegetable soup recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients.

You can make it in large batches and freeze for later use, making it a great option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a more formal gathering.

Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with chopping the vegetables and adding the ingredients to the pot.

It’s a fun and educational experience for them, and they’ll be proud to help make a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Vegetable Soup

Q: What types of vegetables can I use in this recipe?

A: You can customize this recipe with any combination of your favorite vegetables! Some popular options include carrots, potatoes, zucchini, spinach, kale, celery, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite veggies.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes! This soup freezes beautifully and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer or 5 days in the fridge. Simply thaw or refrigerate overnight before reheating.

Q: How do I reheat this soup without making it too thick?

A: To prevent the soup from becoming too thick when reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, you can try using a gentle heat source like a slow cooker or Instant Pot to keep the soup at the right consistency.

Q: Can I add protein sources like meat or beans?

A: Absolutely! Some great options include diced chicken or beef, cooked sausage, black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have all these ingredients on hand?

A: No worries! This recipe is designed to be adaptable – simply omit any ingredients you don’t have or substitute with similar alternatives.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes! This basic vegetable soup recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly – feel free to add any vegetarian-friendly toppings or protein sources as desired.

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