why make this recipe

Vegetable soup is a wonderful dish that is not only healthy but also easy to make. It is packed with vitamins and minerals from various vegetables and can be a comforting meal any time of the year. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in your fridge. Making your own vegetable soup allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste.

how to make Vegetable Soup

Making vegetable soup is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 Carrots
• 2 Celery stalks
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 cup Green beans
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 fresh Parsley
• 2 medium Potatoes
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 2 cups Spinach or kale
• 1 tsp Thyme, dried
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Tomatoes
• 1 Zucchini
• 6 cups Vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add diced potatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, green beans, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Add spinach or kale and canned tomatoes; season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

how to serve Vegetable Soup

You can serve the vegetable soup hot, right from the pot. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You may also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

how to store Vegetable Soup

To store vegetable soup, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.

tips to make Vegetable Soup

• Feel free to change the vegetables based on what you have available.
• Add some beans or lentils for extra protein.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices for varied flavors.
• For a creamier soup, blend a portion of it and return it to the pot.

variation

You can make a spicy version of vegetable soup by adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños. Another variation includes adding pasta or rice to make it heartier.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this soup and save you time on chopping.

Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Q: How do I thicken the soup?
A: You can blend some of the soup or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.