Quick Vegetable Soup

Quick Vegetable Soup

When you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare, a vegetable soup is a perfect solution. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, this quick vegetable soup is not only a comfort food but also a wholesome dish that can be made in under an hour.

This recipe uses simple ingredients, and you can customize it with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge or pantry. The soup is light, yet satisfying, with rich flavors developed from the vegetables and herbs.

Whether served as a meal on its own or as a side, this quick vegetable soup is a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini, chopped

1 cup green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian version)

1 cup frozen peas

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1/2 cup small pasta (optional, such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)

How to Make Quick Vegetable Soup:

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the Vegetables:

Stir in the chopped zucchini, green beans, and any other vegetables you’re using. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.

Add Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine the vegetables and broth.

Season the Soup:

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Add Frozen Peas and Pasta:

If you’re adding pasta, stir it into the soup about 10 minutes before it’s done cooking, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged. Continue to cook the soup until the pasta is tender. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and allow them to heat through.

Finish the Soup:

Once the soup is ready, stir in the fresh lemon juice (if using) to add brightness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Chef’s Note:

Vegetable Variations: This soup is highly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or corn. You can also use fresh or frozen vegetables depending on what you have available.

For Added Protein: If you’d like to make this soup a bit heartier, consider adding a can of beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, or some cooked quinoa or rice.

Gluten-Free Option: To make the soup gluten-free, simply omit the pasta or use a gluten-free variety of pasta. You could also add more beans or lentils as a substitute for the pasta.

Spices and Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for a different flavor profile. You can also spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Make It Vegan: This soup is already vegan if you use vegetable broth and avoid any dairy-based garnishes. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 150

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 7g

Sodium: 500mg

This Quick Vegetable Soup is not only light and low in calories but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the variety of vegetables. It’s an excellent option for those looking to eat more plant-based meals or anyone who wants a nutritious, satisfying soup.

With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is a perfect addition to any meal plan. Whether you make it for a quick lunch or serve it for dinner, this soup will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this wholesome, homemade vegetable soup!