When the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of vegetable soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a feeling of warmth, care, and health all packed into one delicious bowl. What makes this vegetable soup special is not just the variety of veggies, but the depth of flavor that comes from slow-simmering all the ingredients together. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves you feeling nourished from the inside out.
This 10-vegetable soup is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, offering a ton of versatility. You can serve it with crusty bread, or you can enjoy it as a stand-alone meal. Best of all, it’s loaded with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants-making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising on flavor.
10 Vegetable Soup Recipe
The beauty of this vegetable soup is that you can throw in a variety of fresh ingredients that create a hearty, satisfying dish. With 10 different vegetables, you get a rich blend of flavors and textures, plus a rainbow of nutrients.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need a good selection of vegetables. Here’s your grocery list:
- Carrots – These add natural sweetness and color.
- Celery – Offers crunch and an earthy flavor.
- Potatoes – These give the soup body and creaminess once cooked down.
- Zucchini – Soft and slightly sweet, it absorbs all the flavors around it.
- Tomatoes – They bring acidity and freshness, and they help form the base of the broth.
- Spinach or Kale – Adds a burst of green, vitamins, and a slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the other vegetables.
- Green Beans – Crisp and light, they provide texture and a mild flavor.
- Corn – Sweet kernels add a pop of sweetness to every spoonful.
- Peas – Their subtle sweetness rounds out the flavor profile.
- Onion – A must-have for any soup, onions bring a savory depth to the base.
Cooking Instructions
Making this vegetable soup is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you to that perfect bowl of soup:
- Prep the Veggies: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping all the vegetables. This is key because the cooking process will go smoother once everything’s ready.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic. This step is crucial as it helps develop the base flavors of the soup.
- Add the Broth: Pour in about 6 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth (if you prefer a non-vegetarian version). Stir to combine.
- Toss in the Veggies: Add all the remaining chopped vegetables-zucchini, potatoes, green beans, spinach or kale, corn, and peas. Mix everything together well.
- Season it Right: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. These seasonings will infuse the soup with depth. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust the Flavor: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a little more acidity, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice or add a splash of vinegar.
- Serve: Once the soup is done, ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), and serve with a slice of your favorite crusty bread.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a moment to talk about the key ingredients in this soup and why they matter. Each vegetable brings something unique to the table:
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), carrots are great for your eyesight and immune health.
- Celery: Packed with fiber and antioxidants, celery has low calories, making it perfect for any health-conscious eater.
- Potatoes: A good source of vitamin C and potassium, they help keep your skin healthy and your heart strong.
- Zucchini: Low in calories but high in nutrients, zucchini has vitamin C and manganese, which are vital for boosting your immunity and metabolism.
- Tomatoes: Full of lycopene, tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer.
- Spinach/Kale: Both are nutritional powerhouses-full of iron, calcium, and fiber, they boost your overall health.
- Green Beans: Rich in vitamin K, green beans are excellent for bone health and offer a good source of folate.
- Corn: Not only does it add sweetness, but corn is a good source of fiber and antioxidants as well.
- Peas: Packed with protein, peas can help build and repair muscle tissue, and they’re rich in fiber for good digestion.
- Onions: Besides adding flavor, onions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Expert Tips
Now, let’s talk about how to really elevate this vegetable soup and make it your own:
- Use Homemade Broth: For the best flavor, try making your own vegetable broth at home. It’s simple, and you can control the seasoning to your taste.
- Sear Your Veggies First: For even more flavor, sear your vegetables before adding them to the pot. This helps caramelize the sugars in the veggies, giving the soup a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add Protein: For a more filling soup, consider adding some cooked beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or even shredded chicken.
- Spices and Herbs: Feel free to experiment with spices. A little turmeric adds a beautiful color and health benefits, while a pinch of cumin gives it a warm, earthy flavor.
- Keep it Thick: If you like your soup thicker, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. This will give it a creamy texture without adding any cream.
- Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Recipe Variations
Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Here are some variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth and leave out any animal-based ingredients (like chicken). You can even add coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili powder to give your soup a bit of heat.
- Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and add cauliflower or more zucchini to keep it low-carb but still hearty.
- Grain-Free: Instead of potatoes, add quinoa or brown rice to create a more filling soup with a pleasant texture.
- Cheesy: For a comforting twist, stir in some grated parmesan or a few chunks of creamy cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
Final Words
This 10-vegetable soup is an incredible dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures, making each spoonful a satisfying experience. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s packed with nutrition that benefits your body. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a robust dish, this soup will leave you feeling full, healthy, and happy.