Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable soups are a classic comfort food that can be both hearty and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal or something to warm you up on a chilly evening, vegetable soups are the answer. One of the best ways to enhance the flavor of a vegetable soup is by using a high-quality base, and that’s where Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Soup Base comes in. This concentrated, flavorful paste is a shortcut to deep, savory taste that can elevate any vegetable soup to new heights.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a delicious Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Soup Recipe that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, easy to make, and full of flavor. Let’s dive in!

Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Soup Recipe

This soup is incredibly easy to make, especially if you’re working with a tight schedule or just want something that’s both comforting and nutritious. By using Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base, we are setting the foundation for a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. You won’t need to hunt for multiple spices or spend hours simmering your stock.

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful vegetable soup:

• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base: This is the key to a savory, umami-packed broth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich, smooth texture.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic, fragrant base to the flavor profile.
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: These add natural sweetness and color.
• 3 celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and a mild earthy flavor.
• 2 medium potatoes, diced: A hearty addition that makes the soup more filling and comforting.
• 1 zucchini, chopped: For a mild, soft texture that absorbs the broth’s flavors.
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Provides a pop of color and sweetness.
• 1 cup green beans, chopped: Adds a crunchy bite and a fresh, vegetable taste.
• 4 cups water: This helps to create the soup’s base.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a slightly tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the vegetables.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and savory, it pairs well with the vegetables.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh touch of color and brightness.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down the cooking process for this hearty vegetable soup.

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add The Vegetables

   • Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together so that the veggies are coated in the olive oil and aromatics.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps develop a deeper flavor and allows the vegetables to soften slightly.

3. Create The Broth

   • Stir in the Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base. Add about 1 tablespoon of the paste to the veggies and mix it in well to incorporate.
   • Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

4. Simmer And Add The Remaining Ingredients

   • Once the soup comes to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
   • Add the zucchini, frozen corn, green beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Season To Taste

   • Season the soup with dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasonings to your liking.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Once the soup is done cooking, ladle it into bowls. Top each serving with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key ingredients in this soup and why they matter:

• Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base: This is a concentrated paste that’s made from real vegetables, spices, and seasonings. Unlike regular bouillon cubes, it dissolves easily and gives a richer, more complex flavor. It’s also free from MSG and artificial flavors, making it a cleaner choice for your broth base.
• Olive Oil: This healthy fat is perfect for sautéing vegetables. It has a mild flavor and provides a silky texture to the soup. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.
• Potatoes: Potatoes act as a filler in this soup, giving it body and making it more filling. The starch in potatoes also helps to thicken the broth slightly, creating a more satisfying texture.
• Zucchini: Zucchini has a mild flavor, which means it absorbs the flavors of the broth wonderfully. It adds a nice texture to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes are acidic and slightly tangy, which helps to balance the natural sweetness of the carrots and corn. They also give the soup a rich, hearty color.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your vegetable soup:

• Vegetable Prep: If you have the time, cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. It will make the soup look more uniform and appealing.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can be a game-changer when it comes to flavor. Add some fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary at the end of cooking for a burst of fragrance and freshness.
• Make It Ahead: Soup often tastes better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together. Make this soup in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can freeze portions for a rainy day.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic.

Recipe Variations

This vegetable soup is super customizable, so here are a few variations to try:

• Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed beans like white beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans. They’ll make the soup more filling.
• Go Green: Add leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last 5 minutes of cooking. These greens will wilt down and add both color and nutrition to the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting some of the vegetables beforehand (like carrots or potatoes) can bring out a deeper, caramelized flavor that adds an extra layer to the soup’s taste.
• Vegan Version: If you’re following a vegan diet, simply skip the chicken or beef stock and stick to vegetable broth, as this recipe already uses a vegetable base.
• Add Pasta or Rice: You can make this soup even heartier by adding cooked pasta or rice in the final stages of cooking. This will turn it into a more filling, meal-sized dish.

Final Words

Making soup from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right base, like Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base, you can cut down on prep time while still making a delicious, homemade meal. This vegetable soup is nourishing, flavorful, and packed with all the vibrant, healthy ingredients you want in your bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or making it in bulk to enjoy for the week, it’s sure to satisfy.