![- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 stalks celery, chopped - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon (optional) In this recipe for classic vegetable soup, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. The olive oil gives a nice base. Diced onion and minced garlic bring great flavor. Sliced carrots and chopped celery add texture and sweetness. Next, I include diced zucchini and bell pepper. These vegetables add color and variety. Trimmed green beans and diced tomatoes bring a lovely depth. Finally, I add fresh spinach or kale for a healthy boost. For seasoning, I rely on vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried thyme. Salt and pepper are essential for taste. If you want extra brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. This Full Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a hearty soup that warms the soul. 1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft. 3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until you smell it. 4. Now, stir in 2 sliced carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks. Cook these for 5 minutes. 1. Next, add 1 diced zucchini, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 cup of trimmed green beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. 2. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices and 6 cups of vegetable broth. 3. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mix to a boil. 1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender. 2. Stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach or kale and cook for 3-5 minutes until wilted. 3. If you want, add juice from 1 lemon and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You now have a warm and hearty soup ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To boost the taste of your vegetable soup, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can add a bright flavor. If you want a warm, earthy taste, try adding bay leaves or rosemary. When it comes to broth, homemade always wins. It packs more flavor than store-bought. However, if you use store-bought, choose low-sodium options. This helps control the salt level in your soup. Sautéing your vegetables right is key. Start with a hot pan to get a nice sear. Use olive oil for a rich flavor. Always stir often to prevent sticking. To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on your veggies. They should be tender but not mushy. This keeps their shape and nutrients. Taste as you go to get the perfect doneness. Garnishing can elevate your soup. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add color and taste. A sprinkle of grated cheese, like Parmesan, can add creaminess. Pair your soup with crusty bread or crunchy crackers. This adds texture and makes for a filling meal. You can dip the bread or enjoy the crackers on the side. {{image_2}} You can mix and match vegetables in your soup. I love to use seasonal options. In spring, try fresh peas and asparagus. In fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Seasonal veggies give your soup unique flavors. You can also use frozen vegetables. They are handy and often just as tasty. Frozen veggies save time and last longer. This soup can fit many diets. It is vegan and gluten-free as it stands. You can make it hearty by adding protein. Beans or lentils work well. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This change boosts protein and fiber, making it more filling. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. You can also switch up the broth. Use a mushroom or tomato base for different flavors. Each choice can change the soup's taste. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect mix. For the full recipe, check back to create your own delightful version! To keep your soup fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best because they don’t stain or retain smells. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they're BPA-free. Store your soup in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. This helps keep the flavors locked in. You can freeze this soup for later. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to save space. Leave some room in the container for expansion as the soup freezes. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. If you need it fast, run the bag under cold water. When reheating, do it on low heat. This helps keep the veggies from getting mushy. To save time, prepare the soup in advance. You can make a big batch on the weekend. This soup is great for busy weeks ahead. Just store it in the fridge or freezer. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to ensure it warms evenly. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the flavor. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh herbs. They add a bright flavor. Use three times more fresh herbs than dried. For example, if a recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried basil, use three teaspoons of fresh basil. How do I make it thicker if desired? To thicken your soup, you have a few options. You can add more vegetables and cook them longer. Another way is to blend part of the soup. Use an immersion blender or regular blender. This will give you a creamy texture without adding cream. Health benefits of the ingredients This soup has many health benefits. The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. Carrots are great for your eyes. Spinach offers iron, and tomatoes are full of antioxidants. This dish is low in calories and high in fiber. Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 150 calories. This can vary based on added ingredients. It is a filling option without adding too many calories. Great for a light lunch or dinner! How to adjust the recipe for fewer people You can easily cut the recipe in half. Use half the amount of each ingredient. This will help you make a smaller batch without wasting food. Scaling up for larger gatherings If you want to serve more people, double the recipe. Make sure to use a larger pot. It’s simple to make a big batch for parties or family meals. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may need a bit longer. Classic vegetable soup brings together fresh ingredients and simple steps. We start with a base of olive oil, onion, and garlic. Then we add vibrant veggies and rich seasonings. Tips include enhancing flavor and perfect cooking techniques. Variations allow for creativity and dietary needs. Remember, this soup is not only tasty but also healthy. Enjoy it now or store it for later. Embrace the joy of cooking. Dive into this delicious recipe and make it your own.](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dec63829-494b-4ea2-9a26-638854ab9ca3-250x250.webp)
Classic Vegetable Soup
Brighten up your dinner table with this delicious Rainbow Garden Vegetable Soup! Packed with vibrant veggies and hearty flavors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal. This easy recipe uses fresh ingredients like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, making it both nutritious and colorful. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a cozy dish for any night. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your own bowl of goodness!