One Pot Recipe: Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup for Every Season!
A bowl of vegetable soup is the perfect comfort food on any cold day, whether it's a winter night or an autumn day. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a nutritional powerhouse. It's a dish that works in any season because it's easy to adapt and tastes delicious no matter what.
You may use whatever veggies you have on hand to whip up this dish, and its adaptability means it will be perfect year-round! So, get your cooking pot and vegetables ready because I'm about to provide a recipe that will make you appreciate the simple pleasures of life and the warmth of a home-cooked meal. More than just soup, this is like a warm embrace in a bowl. Now, who's up for cooking?
Why Vegetable Soup is Good For You?
Soups made with various veggies are a great way to consume a lot of healthy nutrients without overdoing them on calories. Vegetable soup is an excellent approach to increasing your vegetable consumption. It is great for people who don't always eat enough vegetables in their diet due to personal choice or lack of time.
Vegetable soup's adaptability is one of its most appealing qualities. If you have any leftover vegetables in your fridge, this is a great way to use them. Along with being naturally low in calories and high in fiber, it is an excellent option for those who are trying to stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Is Vegetable Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! This vegetable soup is not only vegan but also very nutritious. It's ideal for those chilly fall and winter days when you want something substantial yet want to stay on a plant-based diet. The beautiful thing about this dish is its adaptability, so feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand!
What Herbs Are Best for Vegetable Soup?
Herbs elevate the flavor of vegetable soup to a whole new level. Here’s a quick rundown of herbs that add a delightful aroma and taste:
- Oregano: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Parsley: Freshens up the soup and adds a pop of color.
- Cilantro: Brings a burst of freshness.
- Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle depth of flavor.
- Chives: Adds a mild, onion-like taste.
Ingredients
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 Celery sticks, diced
- 2 Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 Potatoes, diced
- 1 Can diced tomatoes
- 5 Cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 Teaspoon dried oregano
- 5 Cups vegetable broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 Cup chopped green beans
- 1 Zucchini, chopped
- 1 Can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make Vegetable Soup?
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and potato. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup Base
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to tenderize.
Step 4: Incorporate the Remaining Vegetables
Stir in the chopped green beans, zucchini, and chickpeas. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the green beans and other vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Remove the bay leaves and stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Zulay's Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Vegetable Soup!
- Vegetable Variety Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite vegetables. This soup is incredibly flexible, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Broth Matters For the best flavor, use a high-quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works well too.
- Texture Tweaks If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
Zulay's Final Thoughts
Vegetable soup will make you feel good because it has lots of good things in it, like strong flavors, bright colors, and healthy ingredients. Besides that, it's very flexible. You can try putting different vegetables together or adding your favorite spices.
The amount of food this meal makes is big, so it's great for sharing or eating all week. In the fridge, leftovers can stay for up to five days. You can also freeze them for later use. The tastes keep developing over time, making it an excellent choice for making ahead of time.
Explore More Delicious Recipes!
Craving more culinary inspiration? Check out our other tasty recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From hearty stews to delightful salads, there’s something for every palate.
Spread the Soup Love!
Know someone who would adore this recipe? Share it with friends and family on social media! Don’t forget to tag us @ZulayKitchen and use the hashtag #kitchenhappiness so we can see your fantastic creations.