Vegetable soup is a perfect winter meal. It’s warm, nutritious, and easy to customize with seasonal ingredients. Here’s a simple and hearty vegetable soup recipe that’s ideal for cozy winter nights:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (or sweet potato for a different flavor)
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more depth)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup leafy greens (like spinach, kale, or chard)
– Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta or rice (for a heartier soup)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
– Chop all the vegetables to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
– Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables:
– Add the carrots, celery, and potato (or sweet potato) to the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
– Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, and stir in the dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Finish the Soup:
– Add the zucchini, green beans, and corn to the soup and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are fully cooked.
– Stir in the leafy greens and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
– If you like a heartier soup, you can add cooked pasta or rice at this stage.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
7. Serve:
– Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Optional Variations:
– Add Beans: To make the soup more filling and protein-rich, add a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as white beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans.
– Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give it some heat.
– Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
This vegetable soup is not only packed with vitamins and fiber but also incredibly versatile. You can use whatever root vegetables or leafy greens are in season, making it a perfect dish for winter.
