Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Healthy Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and wholesome dish packed with a variety of vegetables, making it an excellent choice for those looking to boost their intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This soup is typically low in calories and can be easily customized to include seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand.

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 can (15 oz) beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), rinsed and drained

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add Vegetables:

• Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:

• Add the zucchini, green beans, spinach (or kale), diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer:

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Season:

• Remove the bay leaf, and taste the soup. Season with salt and pepper as needed. If using beans, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Customizable: Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on what you have available or what you prefer. Other great options include corn, peas, or sweet potatoes.
• Make It Heartier: For a more filling meal, add cooked quinoa, barley, or whole grain pasta.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

This Healthy Vegetable Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of vegetables while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients! Enjoy!