Who doesn’t love a big, hearty bowl of vegetable soup? It’s the kind of comfort food that can warm you up on a chilly day or offer a nutritious, satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Vegetable soup is the perfect balance of flavor and health, combining a variety of fresh vegetables with herbs and seasonings that make each spoonful delicious. Plus, it’s super versatile-you can make it vegan, add pasta or beans, and switch out vegetables based on the season.
If you’re looking to make a vegetable soup that’s as nourishing as it is tasty, look no further than this 7-Can Vegetable Soup Recipe. This recipe takes the simplicity and convenience of canned ingredients and elevates them into a flavorful, comforting dish. Not only does it save time, but it also brings together a variety of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy. Let’s dive in and break down the recipe step by step!
7 Can Vegetable Soup Recipe
This 7-Can Vegetable Soup Recipe is an easy, no-fuss dish that packs a punch in terms of taste and nutrition. What makes this soup so special is that it relies on a combination of canned ingredients, which means it’s quick to make but still incredibly flavorful. Plus, the ingredients are usually pantry staples, so you likely have most of them on hand already. This soup is a great option for busy days when you want a wholesome meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to gather to make this quick and delicious vegetable soup:
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1 Can Of Diced Tomatoes
The base of this soup gets a juicy, tangy kick from diced tomatoes. These add both acidity and sweetness, giving the broth a depth of flavor.
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1 Can Of Carrots
Canned carrots save time while still contributing their natural sweetness and soft texture to the soup. You can also use fresh carrots if you prefer, but canned ones work great here.
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1 Can Of Green Beans
Green beans bring in some crunch and a fresh taste, making them a perfect addition to this soup.
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1 Can Of Corn
Corn adds a touch of sweetness and a slight pop when you bite into it, which contrasts nicely with the other vegetables.
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1 Can Of Peas
Peas are another classic vegetable that brings color, texture, and a mild sweetness to the soup. They blend in seamlessly with the other ingredients.
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1 Can Of Kidney Beans
Kidney beans provide protein, fiber, and a hearty texture that makes the soup more filling. Plus, they add a beautiful, earthy flavor.
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1 Can Of Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth)
The broth is the foundation of the soup, so it’s important to choose one that complements the vegetables. Vegetable broth keeps it vegan, while chicken broth can give a bit more richness.
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Seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp of onion powder
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Olive Oil (optional)
A small drizzle of olive oil can be added at the beginning to sauté the vegetables and give the broth a bit of extra richness.
Cooking Instructions
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. The cooking process couldn’t be easier, and it all happens in one pot!
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Prep The Ingredients
Open all your cans and drain the liquid from the beans, peas, corn, and green beans. You don’t need to drain the diced tomatoes, as their juice will help flavor the soup. Set everything aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables (Optional)
In a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. If you like, you can sauté a small chopped onion or some garlic at this point for extra flavor. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step.
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Combine The Ingredients
Add all of the canned vegetables (including the tomatoes with their juices) into the pot. Stir well to combine.
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Add The Broth And Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Simmer And Heat Through
Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
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Taste And Adjust
After it’s done simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed-perhaps a little more salt, pepper, or herbs.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! You can enjoy it just as it is, or pair it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients in this recipe will help you appreciate the flavors and the convenience they bring. Let’s break them down:
- Canned Vegetables: These are the backbone of this recipe. Canned vegetables are quick and easy to use and still retain a lot of their flavor and nutrients. They’re often packed at the peak of freshness, so you don’t have to worry about them being lacking in flavor. Plus, canned vegetables have a long shelf life, which means you can always have them in your pantry.
- Canned Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes not only add a burst of tang but also provide much-needed acidity to balance out the sweetness of the other vegetables. They also help create a slightly thicker broth.
- Broth: Whether you go for vegetable or chicken broth, it adds richness and depth to the soup. The broth forms the base of the entire dish, so choosing a high-quality one can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Herbs and Spices: The basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder are classic soup seasonings that elevate the vegetable flavors without overpowering them. They provide a depth of flavor that’s crucial for a balanced dish.
Expert Tips
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: To keep the soup on the healthier side, opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. It’s much easier to control the salt level when you add it yourself.
- Add Extra Veggies: Don’t be afraid to throw in extra veggies. If you have some fresh spinach, zucchini, or even potatoes lying around, you can add them to the soup for more nutrients and texture.
- Let it Rest: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day! Let it rest in the fridge overnight so the flavors can meld together, and the soup becomes even richer.
- Boost the Protein: If you want to make this soup heartier, try adding some cooked chicken, ground turkey, or extra beans for added protein.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of vegetable soup lies in its versatility. Here are a few variations to keep it interesting:
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Herb Variations: Switch up the dried herbs. Try thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of curry powder for a unique twist.
- Add Grains: If you want to make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, rice, or small pasta like elbow macaroni.
- Vegan Friendly: This recipe is already vegan if you use vegetable broth. To keep it fully plant-based, skip any non-vegan additions (like cream) and enjoy a light, healthy meal.
Final Words
This 7-Can Vegetable Soup is an amazing option for a quick, filling, and nutritious meal. It’s comforting, easy to make, and incredibly flexible, which makes it perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or even when you’re just craving something warm and satisfying. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or get creative with variations, you’ll have a hearty dish that’s full of flavors and textures.