When the weather turns chilly, nothing feels more comforting than a bowl of hot vegetable soup. Not only does it warm you from the inside out, but it also provides a healthy and satisfying meal packed with nutrients. Vegetable soup is versatile, allowing you to use whatever seasonal vegetables are available, making it a great option for cleaning out your fridge or enjoying fresh produce. Plus, it’s a dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s for a family dinner, a cozy evening by the fire, or even a week of easy meal prep.
In this post, we’ll dive into a hearty 12-vegetable soup recipe that’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and highly nutritious. Whether you’re a soup aficionado or a first-time cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
12 Vegetable Soup Recipe
Here’s the star of the show: a veggie-packed, nourishing soup that combines a variety of colorful, fresh vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can tweak it to your liking, adding more or less of any ingredient based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
- 12 different vegetables: Each one contributes its own flavor and texture, making every spoonful a burst of different tastes and nutrients.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: It’s a powerhouse of health benefits – from boosting immunity to improving digestion.
- Perfect for any occasion: It’s a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients Needed
To create this delicious 12-vegetable soup, you’ll need the following:
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and adding a smooth, rich base to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a savory foundation and a touch of sweetness to balance out the other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic deepens the flavor profile and adds an aromatic punch.
- 2 large carrots, sliced: Sweet, earthy flavor that brings a comforting crunch.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: Adds heartiness and creaminess when cooked.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Mildly sweet, it absorbs the flavors of the broth while adding texture.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped: Provides a crisp bite and slight bitterness that contrasts the sweetness of the other vegetables.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Adds a pop of sweetness and color to the mix.
- 1 cup frozen peas: A tiny burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the other vegetables.
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped: Gives a slight tang and great texture when softened.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: A green powerhouse, rich in iron and vitamins.
- 2 tomatoes, diced: Adds acidity and juiciness, creating a nice contrast against the heavier ingredients.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: The liquid base that holds everything together and gives the soup depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds a woodsy, earthy fragrance.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A touch of Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the carrots and potatoes: Toss in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. This step will help them soften up a bit before adding the liquid.
- Add the remaining vegetables: Now, add the zucchini, green beans, corn, peas, cabbage, and tomatoes. Stir to mix everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and spices: Add the vegetable broth, followed by the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once the soup is boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
- Add the spinach: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. This will wilt down quickly and infuse the soup with vibrant green goodness.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup for seasoning. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down some of the key ingredients in this vegetable soup and why they’re so great for you:
- Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, carrots are great for vision, skin health, and boosting your immune system. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which help protect against disease.
- Potatoes: While they’re often seen as a comfort food, potatoes are also packed with potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They provide energy and aid in digestion.
- Spinach: Packed with iron and magnesium, spinach is a superfood that supports bone health, helps lower blood pressure, and provides tons of vitamins like A, C, and K.
- Tomatoes: A great source of vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes are known for their heart health benefits. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and support a healthy immune system.
- Cabbage: High in fiber, cabbage aids in digestion and promotes gut health. It’s also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Garlic and onions: These two staples are powerhouses in flavor, and they come with an array of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health.
Expert Tips
To make this soup even more perfect, here are some expert tips:
- Use homemade broth: If you have time, use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. It’s richer in flavor and gives the soup a depth that store-bought broth can’t quite match.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: A tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a lovely burst of acidity that enhances the flavors of the soup.
- Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really elevate the dish, giving it a bright, fresh taste that pairs well with the cooked vegetables.
- Make it thicker: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup once it’s cooked, or blend a cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or paprika to change the flavor profile. A touch of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth of flavor.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about vegetable soup is that it’s endlessly customizable. Here are a few variations you can try based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences:
- Add legumes: Lentils, beans, or chickpeas are a great way to add more protein and fiber. Just add them along with the broth and let them cook until tender.
- Go Mediterranean: Add ingredients like Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes to give the soup a Mediterranean flair. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top wouldn’t hurt either!
- Spicy twist: Want a little heat? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. For extra flavor, stir in a dash of hot sauce or sriracha at the end.
- Vegan or vegetarian-friendly: This soup is already vegetarian and vegan if you stick to plant-based broth. You can also substitute the olive oil with coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Final Words
This 12-vegetable soup is a perfect way to get a diverse range of nutrients in one simple, satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, and the beauty of it is that you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a thicker, creamier soup or a brothier, lighter version, it’s all up to you.