There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade vegetable soup to bring warmth and comfort to any day. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with nutritious, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Forget complicated preparations; this soup is designed to come together quickly and effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch.
Imagine a large pot simmering gently on your stove, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Our easy homemade vegetable soup is incredibly filling, bursting with vibrant flavors, and remarkably healthy. The secret to its rich taste lies in our unique layering technique, ensuring every spoonful is infused with deep, satisfying flavor from start to finish. This isn’t just soup; it’s destined to become a cherished family favorite, bringing everyone to the table for seconds.
Looking for more simple and comforting soup recipes to add to your dinner rotation? Be sure to explore my Lemon Chicken Rice Soup or my Chicken Enchilada Soup. Both are incredibly easy to prepare and are guaranteed crowd-pleasers for the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup
This homemade vegetable soup recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The foundation of this soup’s incredible taste begins with sautéing key aromatic vegetables and tomato paste. This initial step isn’t just about cooking; it’s about building layers of complex flavor. By seasoning early and allowing the vegetables to gently caramelize, we ensure that every ingredient contributes to a deeply savory broth, rather than simply adding seasoning at the end. This meticulous approach guarantees a rich, full-bodied soup that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the incredible flavor fool you into thinking this soup is complicated. The majority of the hands-on work, such as chopping and a quick sauté, happens right at the beginning. Once those initial steps are complete, the soup simply simmers on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal supervision. It’s the perfect recipe for those who want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: Getting kids (and even some adults!) to eat their daily dose of vegetables can sometimes be a challenge. This easy vegetable soup offers a delicious solution. The medley of colorful, tender vegetables in a savory broth is incredibly appealing, making it an enjoyable way for everyone to embrace healthy eating. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit various preferences, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something to love.
- Packed with Nutrition: This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with a wide array of fresh and frozen vegetables, it delivers a generous dose of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It’s naturally low in calories and fat, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle or incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Each bowl is a nourishing boost for your body.
- Incredibly Versatile: One of the best aspects of this healthy vegetable soup recipe is its adaptability. It’s an excellent way to use up any seasonal produce you have on hand or leftover vegetables at the end of the week. Feel free to experiment with different combinations, adding your favorite vegetables to make each batch uniquely yours.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Vegetable Soup
Crafting the perfect simple vegetable soup begins with a thoughtful selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- Mixed Vegetable Blend (Frozen): A fantastic shortcut! Found in the frozen section of your local grocery store, these blends often contain carrots, peas, corn, and green beans, offering a variety of nutrients and textures without the extra chopping.
- Celery: Provides a classic aromatic base, adding a subtle peppery flavor and a crisp texture that softens beautifully during cooking.
- Onion: The backbone of many savory dishes, onion caramelizes to add sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Bell Pepper (Any Color): Red bell peppers offer a sweeter note and vibrant color, while green peppers lend a slightly more assertive, earthy flavor. Choose your favorite or use a mix for complexity.
- Potato (Any Type): Russet potatoes are excellent for thickening the soup slightly and adding a hearty, starchy element. Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well, offering a creamier texture.
- Zucchini: A tender summer squash that adds a delicate flavor and soft texture, contributing to the soup’s freshness.
- Cabbage: Adds a wonderful, slightly sweet crunch and extra bulk, making the soup even more satisfying.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend typically including basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It provides a cohesive, herbaceous flavor to the soup.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the vegetables and broth. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
- Vegetable Bouillon or Chicken Bouillon: Either option will significantly deepen the umami flavor of the soup. Vegetable bouillon keeps the recipe vegetarian, while chicken bouillon adds a richer, more traditional stock flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and gentle spice. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Water or Vegetable Stock: While water works in a pinch, using a good quality vegetable stock will undoubtedly yield a more flavorful and robust soup base.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato product is a flavor secret weapon! Sautéing it briefly deepens its sweetness and adds a rich, savory body to the broth.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, providing a healthy fat base and contributing to the overall flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and color just before serving.
Crafting Your Own Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these straightforward steps to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying pot of the best vegetable soup:
- 1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Before you start cooking, take a moment to wash, peel, and chop all your fresh vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything ready in advance will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- 2. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly translucent, releasing their fragrant aromas. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
- 3. Build the Flavor Layers: Stir in the tomato paste with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, allowing the paste to lightly caramelize and deepen its flavor. This step is essential for unlocking the full potential of the tomato paste. Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, bouillon cubes (or powder), and diced potatoes. Sauté everything together for an additional minute, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables and start to release their aromas.
- 4. Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the water or vegetable stock, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and the flavors to truly meld.
- 5. Incorporate Final Vegetables: After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Add the chopped cabbage, fresh parsley, and diced zucchini to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cover again and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until the cabbage and zucchini are tender-crisp.
- 6. Finish and Rest: For the final 10 minutes, remove the lid and continue to cook the soup on low heat. This step allows some of the liquid to evaporate slightly, concentrating the flavors even further. Once the soup has cooked through and all vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the soup to cool for a few minutes before ladling it into bowls and serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors settle and prevents accidental burns.
Expert Tips and Helpful Notes for Your Vegetable Soup
Elevate your simple vegetable soup recipe with these handy tips and creative variations:
- Customize Your Spices: This recipe offers a great base, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! Feel free to adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to your preference, or explore other spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, while a dash of smoked paprika can introduce a smoky depth.
- Herb Alternatives: If Italian seasoning isn’t on hand, individual dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be used. A blend of these will mimic the classic Italian flavor. For an extra fresh burst, stir in fresh dill or chives at the very end.
- Boost the Protein: To transform this hearty vegetable soup into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source. Shredded cooked chicken, leftover roasted beef, or even vegetarian options like canned chickpeas or white beans (rinsed and drained) can be stirred in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a side. Serve it with crunchy dry crackers, a fresh green salad, or a slice of warm, crusty bread like my No Knead Artisan Bread for dipping. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto can also add a delightful finishing touch.
- Embrace Frozen Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables are a true hero in this recipe. They offer convenience, a wide variety of vegetables without individual purchases, and are often flash-frozen at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients. They eliminate the need for extra chopping and can be added directly to the pot.
- Slow Cooker Adaptations: While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, it can be adapted for a slow cooker. Be mindful that longer cooking times in a slow cooker can lead to softer, even mushier, vegetables. Ingredients like potatoes might break down considerably. To maintain texture, you might consider adding softer vegetables like zucchini and cabbage during the last hour of cooking.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes against the side of the pot or remove about a cup of the soup, blend it, and return it to the pot. For a thinner consistency, simply add more water or stock until desired.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Vegetable Soup
Storing your leftover vegetable soup is simple and ensures you can enjoy it for days to come. First, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and to protect your refrigerator’s temperature. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can either gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl.
Absolutely! This homemade vegetable soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. After the soup has cooled completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick after thawing.
This versatile vegetable soup recipe is incredibly forgiving and encourages customization! It’s an ideal canvas for using up seasonal produce or any vegetables you have on hand. Consider adding squashes like butternut or acorn squash for a touch of sweetness, sweet potatoes for added nutrition and creaminess, diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), cauliflower florets, or even legumes like white beans, kidney beans, or black beans for extra fiber and protein. Feel free to experiment with what you love!
Homemade vegetable soup, especially this recipe, is exceptionally healthy. It’s brimming with a diverse range of vegetables, which are natural sources of essential vitamins (like Vitamin A and C), minerals (such as potassium and iron), and dietary fiber. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps you feel fuller for longer. Because it’s packed with vegetables, it’s naturally low in calories and fat, making it a fantastic option for a balanced diet. The use of frozen vegetables is also a nutritional bonus, as they are typically flash-frozen at their peak ripeness, preserving their high nutritional value.
While this recipe yields a clear broth soup, you can easily transform it into a creamy vegetable soup. Towards the end of the cooking process, simply stir in a splash of heavy cream, milk, or a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond, cashew, soy, or coconut milk. For an extra rich and savory creaminess, you can also whisk in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the broth. If you prefer a thick, velvety texture without dairy, blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir to combine. This uses the vegetables themselves to create a natural thickness.
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this healthy vegetable soup, you might also love these other comforting and flavorful soup recipes:
- Lebanese Chicken Lentil Soup
- Classic Lebanese Lentil Soup
- Rich & Creamy Tomato Soup
- Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Wholesome Vegetable Minestrone Soup
I genuinely hope you find joy in preparing and savoring all the recipes I share, especially this delightful Homemade Vegetable Soup recipe. Please give it a try, enjoy every spoonful, and consider rating it and sharing your experience with your friends and family!
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Homemade Vegetable Soup
By:
Mariam Ezzeddine
A hearty and comforting soup, this Homemade Vegetable Soup is a family favorite! Packed with wholesome healthy ingredients that are mostly kitchen staples, this soup comes together quickly and easily.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings:
10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetable blend, frozen
- 1 cup fresh celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup onion, petite diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, any color
- 1 cup potato, petite diced
- 1 cup zucchini, petite diced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly chopped
- 1½ tsp. Italian seasoning, or less to taste
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 cubes vegetable bouillon, or chicken bouillon
- ¾ tsp. black pepper, or less to taste
- 8 cups water, or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsps. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all the vegetables by washing, peeling, and dicing them as specified in the ingredients list.
- Bring a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper together for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly translucent.
- Add in the tomato paste and continue to sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor. Then, incorporate the mixed frozen vegetables, salt, Italian seasoning, bouillon cubes, black pepper, and diced potatoes. Sauté everything together for one more minute, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables.
- Pour in the water or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add in the chopped cabbage, fresh parsley, and diced zucchini. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot again and allow the soup to cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- For the final 10 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and let the soup continue to simmer on low heat. This helps to concentrate the flavors.
- Once the soup has cooked through and all vegetables are tender, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- You may add more or less spices or different spices to the vegetable based on your preference.
- Instead of Italian seasoning, you can try dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, etc.
- If you want to add some protein to this soup, you can add shredded chicken or beef.
- Serve with some dry crackers or my No Knead Artisan Bread if you like.
- Frozen vegetables are perfect for this recipe as you can get a variety of vegetables without having to buy them individually.
- If you’d like to make this in the slow cooker, keep in mind that the longer it cooks, the softer the vegetables will become. Ingredients like the potatoes may breakdown too much.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 13g |
Protein: 2g |
Fat: 2g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 255mg |
Potassium: 328mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 2g |
Vitamin A: 2346IU |
Vitamin C: 26mg |
Calcium: 47mg |
Iron: 1mg