Description
This Easy Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any day. Made with a medley of fresh vegetables, low-sodium vegetable broth, and fragrant herbs, this soup is both healthy and flavorful. It can be customized with beans or lentils for added protein, making it a well-rounded and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups assorted fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini)
- Optional: 1 cup beans or lentils (for added protein)
Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs (e.g., thyme, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped onions (quantity not specified, estimated 1 medium onion)
- Minced garlic (quantity not specified, estimated 2 cloves)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base for your soup.
- Add hard vegetables: Incorporate harder vegetables such as carrots and celery into the pot. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes to soften them slightly and enhance their flavors.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth along with dried herbs like thyme or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will help combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer partially covered for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows all the vegetables to become tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add optional protein: If using beans or lentils, add them either before simmering or during the simmering stage, depending on their cooking time (cooked beans/lentils can be added in step 4, dried lentils should be added at the start of simmering).
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt, pepper, or herbs. Serve hot as a hearty and healthy meal.
Notes
- You can customize this soup by adding your favorite fresh vegetables or using frozen ones in a pinch.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Using low-sodium vegetable broth helps control the salt level, making the soup healthier.
- If adding dried lentils, rinse them well and add at the beginning of the simmering stage to ensure they cook fully.
- This soup is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by avoiding any animal-based additives and ensuring vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
