Au Bon Pain Vegetable Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food that is both nourishing and satisfying, soup stands at the top of the list. One standout in the soup world, particularly beloved for its freshness, rich flavor, and balance of textures, is Au Bon Pain’s Vegetable Soup. This famous soup has a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s hearty without being heavy, packed with seasonal vegetables, and delivers that feel-good factor that we all crave during cold weather or when in need of a simple yet fulfilling meal.

What makes this recipe even better is that it’s really easy to make at home. You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this restaurant-quality soup. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just someone looking to try something new in the kitchen, this recipe will work wonders. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable to fit your tastes, dietary needs, and what you happen to have in your pantry.

Let’s dive into the details of making Au Bon Pain’s Vegetable Soup from scratch so you can bring a little of that café magic into your own kitchen.

Au Bon Pain Vegetable Soup Recipe

This recipe brings together a medley of vegetables with a light, flavorful broth, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and heartwarming. With a few simple ingredients, you can make a soup that tastes just as good as the one you get from your favorite cafe or bakery.

Ingredients Needed

• Vegetables

  • 2 cups carrots (diced)
  • 2 cups celery (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 medium zucchini (diced)
  • 1 cup green beans (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1-2 tomatoes (chopped)

• Broth

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (you can substitute chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any other neutral oil)

• Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional Additions

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish
  • A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is a breeze. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, zucchini, and onion, and cut the green beans into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop those too.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and sauté them until they turn translucent and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini. Stir frequently for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften a bit.

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the green beans, corn, and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
   • Toss in your dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

4. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs at this point.
   • Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaves, and if you like, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice to add brightness.

5. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Ingredient Insights

• Vegetables: The beauty of this soup lies in the versatility of the vegetables used. The combination of carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans provides a mix of textures, from the tender zucchini to the crunchy green beans. Not only are these vegetables delicious, but they also bring important nutrients. Carrots offer a good dose of beta-carotene (vitamin A), while celery provides fiber and antioxidants.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes not only add a pop of color but also bring natural sweetness and acidity that balance out the richness of the broth.
• Herbs and Spices: The dried thyme and oregano lend a fragrant and earthy flavor, while bay leaves add depth. These herbs are what take the soup from good to great, creating layers of flavor.
• Broth: The vegetable broth forms the base of the soup, providing savory umami flavor. The type of broth you choose will affect the soup’s overall taste, so if you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, opt for a high-quality vegetable broth.

Expert Tips

1. Don’t Overcrowd The Pot

   • While it’s tempting to toss in a bunch of extra vegetables, it’s important to give the soup space to breathe. Overcrowding the pot can make the soup too thick or result in uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe for best results.

2. Add Beans Or Pasta For More Texture

   • If you want to make the soup even heartier, try adding beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or small pasta (such as orzo or ditalini). These additions can help bulk up the soup and make it a full meal.

3. Adjust The Broth

   • If you find the soup too thick, you can always add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Some people prefer their vegetable soups more brothy, others thicker like a stew-it’s all about personal preference.

4. Make It Ahead Of Time

   • Soup always tastes better the next day. If you have the time, let your soup sit overnight in the fridge so the flavors can fully develop. You can also freeze this soup for later use!

Recipe Variations

• Add Protein: For a more filling dish, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu to the soup. If you’re making it vegetarian, lentils or quinoa can provide plant-based protein.
• Spicy Version: If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick. Pair it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for contrast.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or peas. Squash or kale can also make great additions to this soup.
• Vegan or Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use a vegetable broth that aligns with those dietary preferences. You can also swap in gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for some extra carbs.

Final Words

Au Bon Pain’s vegetable soup is truly a comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s versatile, adaptable, and can be tailored to suit your tastes. Whether you keep it simple with the basic recipe or get creative with your own additions, this soup never disappoints. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in your daily servings of vegetables.