Description
A hearty and healthy vegetable soup made with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, simmered in flavorful herbs and vegetable broth. Perfect for a comforting vegan meal that’s easy to prepare and can be adapted with seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale
Liquids & Canned
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, which helps to build the base flavor.
- Cook Root Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to soften these firmer vegetables slightly before adding liquids.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash, trimmed green beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and the vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Soup: Incorporate dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Greens: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped fresh spinach or kale, cooking an additional 5 minutes to wilt the greens and heat the peas through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and serve hot. Optionally, pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables depending on availability and preference.
- Add cooked beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, for additional protein and texture.
- This soup freezes well; prepare in advance for convenient meal prep.
