There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty and healthy vegetable soup. Packed with colorful vegetables, nourishing broth, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a timeless favorite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy on a chilly evening, yet light enough to enjoy as a wholesome lunch. What I love most about this soup is its versatility—it’s quick, easy, and you can make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
In today’s fast-paced world, having a go-to recipe that is nutritious, satisfying, and budget-friendly is priceless. That’s exactly why this hearty vegetable soup has a permanent spot in my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup?
- Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and seasonal veggies.
- Customizable: Works with fresh or frozen vegetables.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for days, making it perfect for busy weeks.
- Comfort in a bowl: It feels like a hug, no matter the season.
Why Will You Love This Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup?
This soup is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. The flavors are rich without being heavy, and the texture is a perfect balance of tender vegetables simmered in savory broth. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together on a weeknight, yet it feels special enough for family gatherings. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free by default, which means it suits almost every diet.
How to Make Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup?
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale leaves
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, bell pepper, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale, and let it wilt into the soup for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
How to Serve Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or even a side salad for a complete meal. You can top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
The Best Way to Store Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh the flavors.
Tips to Make Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup
- Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Add harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots first, softer ones like zucchini last.
- For extra protein, add beans, lentils, or quinoa.
- Use homemade vegetable broth for the richest flavor.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the soup.
Nutritional Benefits :
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV |
| Vitamin C | 90% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
Variation
- Protein Boost: Add cooked beans (white beans, chickpeas, or lentils).
- Spicy Kick: Stir in chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Version: Blend half the soup and mix back in for a creamier texture.
- Grain Additions: Add rice, barley, or quinoa for a heartier bowl.
Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup
Equipment
- large soup pot
- wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- cutting board
- ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale leaves
- 1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, bell pepper, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add canned tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25–30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale, and let it wilt into the soup for 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?
Yes! Frozen veggies work wonderfully and cut down prep time. Just add them straight into the simmering broth.
Q2: How do I make this soup more filling?
You can add beans, lentils, or grains like quinoa or barley for extra protein and bulk.
Q3: Is this vegetable soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! As written, it’s both vegan and gluten-free. Just double-check your broth label.
Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except spinach and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in spinach at the end.
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Conclusion
This hearty and healthy vegetable soup is a bowl of comfort, flavor, and nutrition all in one. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding your family, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time. It’s easy, customizable, and packed with goodness. Once you try it, it will become your go-to recipe for chilly days or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up.