Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe

When the weather turns cold or when you’re just in the mood for a hearty and healthy meal, there’s something about a big bowl of vegetable soup that can truly hit the spot. One soup that has earned a place in the hearts of many is Bob Evans Vegetable Soup. Known for its rich flavor, hearty texture, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is both comforting and nutritious. It’s perfect for any occasion: whether you’re having it as a light lunch, serving it as a starter before dinner, or even enjoying it as a full meal.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making Bob Evans Vegetable Soup at home, from the ingredients to the cooking process, all the way to helpful tips and variations that will make the recipe your own. So, grab your apron and let’s start cooking!

Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Bob Evans Vegetable Soup, you’ll need to gather a mix of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a few pantry staples. Here’s a complete list:

• Vegetables

  • 1 cup of diced potatoes (any variety works, but Yukon Golds add a creamy texture)
  • 1 cup of diced carrots (peeled)
  • 1 cup of celery (diced)
  • 1 cup of green beans (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup of peas (frozen works great)

• Broth & Liquid

  • 6 cups of vegetable broth (chicken broth can also be used for a non-vegetarian variation)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (with or without seasoning, depending on preference)

• Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup of pasta (like small shells or elbow macaroni)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Bob Evans Vegetable Soup is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a rich and hearty result:

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Wash and chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This includes peeling and dicing the potatoes, carrots, and celery, and cutting the green beans into smaller sections.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

3. Combine The Vegetables And Broth

   • Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans, and any other veggies you’re using to the pot. Stir them in with the garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged in liquid.

4. Season The Soup

   • Stir in the thyme, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the broth, and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.

5. Bring To A Boil

   • Increase the heat to high to bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom.

6. Optional Pasta

   • If you want to add pasta, stir it in about 10 minutes before the soup finishes cooking, allowing it to soften and absorb the flavors.

7. Final Touches

   • Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, taste again for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

8. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients is key to making a flavorful soup. Here’s a deeper look into some of the key elements:

• Vegetables

  The star of this soup is the array of vegetables. Potatoes provide a creamy, starchy base that makes the broth richer. Carrots bring a natural sweetness and beautiful color, while celery adds a satisfying crunch. Green beans, peas, and corn give a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, making each spoonful different and interesting.

• Herbs And Spices

  The combination of thyme and basil gives the soup a Mediterranean-like flavor, while garlic provides depth and richness. Onion and garlic powders are essential for enhancing the umami taste. These spices aren’t just for flavor-they also work to bring out the natural taste of the vegetables.

• Broth

  The vegetable broth is crucial to creating a flavorful base. A high-quality broth will result in a deeper, more satisfying soup. If you prefer a meatier taste, chicken broth can add a more robust flavor.

Expert Tips

Here are a few pro tips to take your Bob Evans Vegetable Soup to the next level:

• Balance The Texture

  If you prefer a creamier soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then return it to the pot. This will thicken the soup without compromising the fresh vegetable textures.

• Use Homemade Broth

  If you have the time, homemade vegetable or chicken broth can make a world of difference in terms of flavor and quality.

• Add Fresh Herbs

  Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or even rosemary can be added in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for an aromatic boost. This helps preserve their flavor and fragrance.

• Make It A Meal

  Add some protein by throwing in beans, lentils, or even some rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.

• Freezer-Friendly

  This soup freezes wonderfully! Just allow it to cool before storing it in airtight containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

Bob Evans Vegetable Soup is a versatile recipe that can be customized to fit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Lover’s Version

  Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or diced ham to the soup for a non-vegetarian twist. You can brown the meat first before adding the vegetables.

• Spicy Vegetable Soup

  Spice things up by adding a diced jalapeño or some chili powder. You could also toss in a can of diced green chilies for an extra kick.

• Creamy Version

  For a creamy vegetable soup, add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking. Stir it in and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

• Vegan Friendly

  Stick to the vegetable broth and load up on more veggies, beans, or tofu for a heartier vegan version. A dash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast can add a savory flavor boost.

Final Words

Bob Evans Vegetable Soup isn’t just any vegetable soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort and nourishment. With fresh vegetables, simple ingredients, and endless opportunities to make it your own, it’s a dish you can rely on throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy during the winter chill or need a healthy meal to fuel your day, this recipe ticks all the boxes.