Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Easy Vegetable Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple, hearty, and loaded with nutritious vegetables, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or chilly days. This vegan and vegetarian-friendly recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using it to sneak in more veggies for the kids or preparing a light, wholesome meal for yourself, this soup is a great go-to option.

Why You’ll Love Easy Vegetable Soup

• Quick and Easy: With only about 30 minutes of cooking time, this soup is as quick as it is satisfying.

• Packed with Vegetables: The soup is full of nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, making it a healthy addition to any meal plan.

• Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. It’s a flexible recipe that can be tailored to suit your taste or pantry.

• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients in this soup are affordable, and it’s a great way to make the most of whatever vegetables you have on hand.

• Versatile: Serve it on its own as a light lunch, or pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal.

Ingredients for Easy Vegetable Soup

This soup comes together with simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Fresh Vegetables: The heart of this soup is made up of onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. These vegetables are full of essential vitamins like vitamin A, C, and K.

• Broth: A good quality vegetable broth provides the base for the soup. You can use low-sodium vegetable broth to keep the sodium levels in check.

• Tomatoes: Adding canned diced tomatoes introduces a touch of acidity and sweetness, which balances the flavors of the vegetables.

• Spices: Bay leaves, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper infuse the soup with a warm, savory flavor. These seasonings work together to create a depth of flavor without overpowering the vegetables.

• Frozen Vegetables: To make this soup even easier, you can use frozen green beans, sweet corn, and sweet peas. These vegetables hold their texture well during the slow simmering process.

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions just before serving gives the soup a burst of freshness and color.

How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup

This soup is incredibly easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps for a flavorful, satisfying meal:

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots, and sauté for about 6-8 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn golden brown.

2. Add the Vegetables
   Add the chopped celery, potatoes, frozen green beans, and canned tomatoes (with their liquid). Stir to combine.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings
   Pour in the vegetable broth, and add bay leaves, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup
   Let the soup simmer for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This step allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

5. Add Frozen Vegetables
   Stir in the frozen sweet corn, sweet peas, and green onions. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes.

6. Finish with Fresh Herbs
   Stir in the fresh parsley and taste the soup for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or your favorite dipping bread. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Easy Vegetable Soup

While this soup is simple, there are a few tips that will help elevate the flavor and texture, ensuring you get the best result every time.

Use Fresh Vegetables for Better Flavor

Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables over frozen or canned. Fresh vegetables have a higher concentration of vitamins and nutrients, and they bring out a brighter, fresher flavor in the soup. That said, frozen vegetables can be a good option if you’re short on time or want to preserve seasonal veggies for later.

• Storage Tip: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions last well in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

• Canned vs. Fresh Tomatoes: If you’re using canned tomatoes, look for those labeled “no-salt added” to keep the sodium levels low.

Customize the Soup with Your Favorite Veggies

One of the best things about this vegetable soup is how easy it is to swap out ingredients to match what you have on hand. Consider adding or substituting these vegetables:

• Leafy Greens: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for a boost of vitamins A and C. These greens add a rich color and more nutrients without changing the overall flavor too much.

• Squash and Sweet Potatoes: These root vegetables make a great substitute for regular potatoes if you prefer a slightly sweeter, richer flavor.

• Broccoli or Cauliflower: For extra crunch and more fiber, try adding broccoli or cauliflower.

• Peas: Frozen peas are a great addition, providing extra fiber and protein.

Don’t Rush the Sauté Step

Taking your time with the initial sautéing of the onions, carrots, and celery will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your soup. Sautéing these aromatics allows them to release their natural sweetness, which builds the foundation for the soup’s flavor.

• Tip: If the vegetables begin to stick to the bottom of the pot, simply add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.

Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste

The seasoning is crucial to creating a well-balanced vegetable soup. You can adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your taste, but here are a few tips for balancing the flavors:

• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.

• Boost the Flavor with Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: If you want a richer depth of flavor, add a small amount of garlic powder or onion powder when seasoning the soup.

• Red Pepper Flakes for Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth. This will give the soup an extra kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Easy Vegetable Soup is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store and reheat the soup:

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen it if necessary.

• Freezing the Soup: This soup freezes very well. After cooling, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove.

• Storing the Broth Separately: If you’re planning to freeze the soup, consider storing the broth separately from the vegetables to maintain the best texture and consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty baguette or garlic bread for a hearty meal.

• Side Salad: Complement the soup with a green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced, refreshing meal.

• Cheese Toast: For extra comfort, add a grilled cheese sandwich or cheese toast on the side.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy Vegetable Soup

This Easy Vegetable Soup is not only comforting and tasty, but it also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a great addition to your diet. Packed with vegetables, fiber, and essential vitamins, this soup is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Let’s break down the key nutrients in this soup and how they contribute to overall health.

Vegetables: A Nutrient Powerhouse

The vegetables in this soup are the real stars. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and wellness:

• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, carrots support vision, immune function, and healthy skin.

• Celery: A great source of vitamin K and potassium, celery helps with bone health, blood pressure regulation, and hydration.

• Potatoes: Potatoes provide vitamin C for immune support and potassium for heart health. When eaten with the skin on, they are also a good source of fiber.

• Sweet Corn: Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to overall digestive health and immune function.

• Green Beans: These add fiber, vitamin C, and folate, which support skin health, immune function, and cell growth.

Herbs and Spices: Flavor with Health Benefits

The herbs and spices used in this soup don’t just enhance flavor—they offer various health benefits as well:

• Garlic: Garlic has immune-boosting properties and may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.

• Paprika: This vibrant spice contains vitamin A and antioxidants, which support eye health and help fight inflammation.

• Oregano: Oregano is a natural antibiotic and has antioxidant properties, making it great for supporting the immune system.

• Bay Leaves: These fragrant leaves add subtle flavor while also being rich in vitamin C and fiber.

A Rich Source of Fiber

The fiber content in this soup is impressive, thanks to the combination of vegetables and barley. Fiber plays an essential role in supporting digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

• Fiber Content: Each serving of this soup provides about 7 grams of fiber, which is about 25% of the daily recommended intake for adults. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.

A Low-Calorie, High-Protein Meal

With just 167 calories per serving, this soup is a low-calorie meal that is also surprisingly filling. The barley and vegetables provide a moderate amount of protein, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake without consuming excess calories.

• Protein: Each serving contains about 4.5 grams of protein, which helps support muscle repair and growth, as well as overall health.

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional profile of this soup, so you can see just how healthy it is:

Final Thoughts on Easy Vegetable Soup

This Easy Vegetable Soup is the perfect comfort meal—nourishing, warming, and packed with nutrients. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome and filling soup without the hassle. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a cozy dinner, or just need a quick meal, this soup is a versatile and healthy option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Give it a try, and feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. With its delicious flavors, nutritional benefits, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 2 large carrots, chopped

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 60 oz low-sodium vegetable broth

• 3 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 cup green beans, chopped

• 3 bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup frozen sweet corn

• 1 cup frozen sweet peas

• ½ cup green onions, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots, and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.

2. Add the Vegetables and Broth
   Add the celery, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, potatoes, green beans, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Simmer the Soup
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add the Frozen Vegetables and Fresh Herbs
   Stir in the frozen sweet corn, sweet peas, green onions, and parsley. Simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes.

5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

• Customization: You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Try adding spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra greens.

• Barley Option: If you want to add a grain, feel free to throw in barley or quinoa for an extra serving of fiber. Add the grains early in the cooking process to allow them to cook properly.

• Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 167 kcal per serving

Yield: 1 large pot (8 servings)