How to Make a Hearty Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a favorite dish for many who seek a comforting and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s easy to prepare, affordable, and filled with essential vitamins and minerals. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this vegetable soup recipe offers just the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
• 1 zucchini, cut into chunks
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it's hot, sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the carrots and celery to the pot. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the zucchini, potatoes, and green beans. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until all vegetables are tender (about 20-30 minutes).
5. Salt and pepper the soup according to your preference. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired.

How Long Does It Take to Cook?

The cooking time for this vegetable soup is approximately one hour, including the preparation of vegetables. This includes 20-30 minutes of simmering once the soup reaches a boil and another 40 minutes spent on chopping and cleaning the ingredients.

How Many Servings Does It Yield?

This recipe yields about six servings. Each portion is a generous helping, which means you can either enjoy it as a main course or serve it alongside bread for a satisfying meal. If you're hosting a small gathering, this amount should be sufficient.

Why Make Vegetable Soup?

Making vegetable soup isn't just about having a delicious dish; it's also beneficial to your health and well-being. By filling up on this nutritious soup, you’re providing your body with essential vitamins from various vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, etc., all of which are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients.

The ease of preparing vegetable soup makes it a perfect choice for busy days when you want something healthy yet filling. You can even prepare it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

Tips for Making a Great Vegetable Soup

• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a handful of fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to bring out more depth. Basil, thyme, and parsley are excellent choices.

• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend some of the vegetables slightly before serving for a creamier texture.

• Leftovers can be turned into vegetable dumplings or used in wraps with slices of grilled chicken breast or turkey.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, vegetable soup is not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your health. With a simple recipe and minimal effort, you can create a meal that will satisfy your taste buds while providing nourishment for your body. Try this hearty vegetable soup the next time you want to enjoy a comforting and nutritious dish.