Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming soup that tastes just like the classic Progresso recipe but made entirely from scratch? Get ready to unlock the secret to the most delicious vegetable soup that will have your family begging for seconds! This homemade version captures all the rich, comforting flavors of the beloved canned soup, but with the fresh, wholesome ingredients you'll be proud to serve.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating the correct temperature.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and vegetables begin to soften.
- Mince the garlic and add to the pot, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add chopped green beans, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a balanced, savory flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to further develop.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Take your time chopping vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in every spoonful.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Allow your onions, carrots, and celery to develop a light golden color. This builds a deep, rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Garlic Matters: Add minced garlic at the right moment - just before liquid goes in. This prevents burning and maximizes its aromatic potential.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy and to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking. A pinch of salt or herbs can elevate the entire dish.
- Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps flavors fully develop and integrate.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables or topping with fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
