Name: Hearty Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1 cup spinach; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

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Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Soup is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for any season. Packed with fresh vegetables and nutrients, this soup offers a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one bowl. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup spinach
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, green beans, and zucchini. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the spinach and dried thyme, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup

Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it as a fulfilling lunch or dinner option that will keep you satisfied.

How to Store Hearty Vegetable Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup

Feel free to add more vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, corn, or peas can be excellent additions.
For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers and remove it before serving.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the soup.
Blending a portion of the soup can create a thicker texture if you prefer.

Variation

This soup is very versatile. You can swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegetarian. You can also add cooked beans or lentils for added protein and fiber.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them in when you would normally add the fresh vegetables.

How long does this soup take to make?

The total time to make this soup is about 30 to 35 minutes.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Hearty Vegetable Soup is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.