Cheap Soup Recipe

Soup is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking to whip up something quick for lunch or prepare a hearty dinner, a bowl of soup can be both satisfying and nourishing. The best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to make.

In this guide, we’ll explore a simple and affordable soup recipe that can be thrown together with minimal effort, yet still deliver great flavor. Perfect for anyone on a budget, but without sacrificing the enjoyment of a well-made meal. We’ll also dive into some ingredient insights, offer a few expert tips, and look at how you can get creative with variations to keep things fresh and exciting. Ready to dive into a cozy, budget-friendly bowl of soup? Let’s get started!

This recipe is perfect for when you’re on a tight budget but still want to create a filling, flavorful meal. It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor without needing fancy ingredients. You can throw in whatever extra veggies or protein you have lying around and still end up with a meal everyone will love.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for expensive cuts of meat or exotic spices. With just a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can make a large batch of delicious soup that will last for days.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this inexpensive, hearty soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil – This is your base for sautéing and gives the soup a rich flavor.
1 medium onion, chopped – The perfect aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that elevates every soup.
3 medium carrots, diced – Sweet, earthy, and packed with vitamins.
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes make the soup more filling and create a creamy texture when they break down.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds a nice tang and balances the richness of the broth.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – The foundation of the soup. You can use whatever you prefer, depending on dietary restrictions or taste.
1 cup frozen peas – Peas add color, sweetness, and texture to the soup.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – A great herb that complements root vegetables perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

Optional Add-ins

1 cup cooked beans (such as white beans or kidney beans) – For extra protein and fiber.
1 cup leafy greens (such as spinach or kale) – For added nutrition and color.
A sprinkle of grated cheese or croutons – If you want to garnish with something extra to make it feel a little more indulgent.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can easily recreate this affordable soup in no time:

Sauté The Base
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add The Vegetables
- Toss in the diced carrots and potatoes, then stir them around to coat them in the olive oil and onion mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes to help them soften a bit.
Add Liquids And Season
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer The Soup
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Finish With Peas And Optional Ingredients
- Add the frozen peas (and any optional add-ins like beans or greens) and cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
Taste And Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, sprinkle some cheese or top with croutons for a little extra texture.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a deeper dive into the ingredients that make this soup both flavorful and cost-effective:

Onion: A true kitchen staple, onions are inexpensive and serve as a flavor base for nearly any soup, stew, or sauce. They contain natural sugars that caramelize when cooked, adding sweetness and depth to your dish.
Carrots and Potatoes: These root vegetables are budget-friendly and incredibly versatile. Carrots bring sweetness, while potatoes provide bulk and a creamy texture once they soften in the broth. They’re filling without being expensive.
Garlic: Garlic is an aromatic that adds a punch of flavor without requiring you to splurge. It’s one of the few ingredients where a little goes a long way.
Frozen peas: Frozen vegetables are often more affordable than fresh, and they keep for longer, making them a great pantry staple. Peas add a pop of color, sweetness, and texture to the soup. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins and fiber.
Canned tomatoes: A pantry essential, canned tomatoes bring acidity, sweetness, and richness to any soup. The convenience of having them ready to use makes them an indispensable ingredient when cooking on a budget.
Broth: Whether you use vegetable or chicken broth, this forms the base of your soup. While store-bought versions are often very affordable, you can also make your own using scraps from veggies or chicken bones to save even more.

Expert Tips

Double the recipe: Soups are perfect for leftovers, and this recipe holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can even freeze individual portions for later use.
Use vegetable scraps: If you’re looking to make this recipe even cheaper, save your vegetable scraps (like onion skins, carrot peels, or potato skins) to make homemade broth! It’s free and doesn’t go to waste.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce toward the end of cooking.
Go for the store brand: When buying your broth or canned tomatoes, store brands are often just as good and significantly cheaper than name brands.
Don’t skip the simmer: Letting the soup simmer for a while allows the flavors to meld and deepen. While you might be eager to dig in, giving it time to develop will make the end result much more satisfying.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bean Soup: Add a can of black beans, kidney beans, or any beans you prefer. A tablespoon of chili powder or cumin can also add a nice kick.
Creamy Soup: To make this soup creamy, blend part of the soup in a blender (or use an immersion blender) and stir it back into the pot. You can also add a splash of cream or milk toward the end.
Chicken Soup: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken on hand, shred it and add it to the soup in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a protein boost.
Vegan Version: If you want to keep it vegan, simply stick with vegetable broth and avoid adding any dairy products or animal-based proteins.
Herb Variation: Play around with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.

Final Words

Creating a simple, affordable soup doesn’t have to be a hassle, and it certainly doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can make a nourishing meal that’s hearty, comforting, and flavorful. The beauty of soup is that it’s endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.

Soup is the ultimate canvas for creativity, and every pot is a new opportunity to play with flavors, textures, and ingredients.

Cheap Soup Recipe