Are you craving a warm, nutritious, and absolutely delicious soup that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Look no further! This Herb and Vegetable Soup is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with aromatic herbs to create a symphony of flavors that will revolutionize your home cooking. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, vegetarian enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a quick, wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping them into uniform dice: finely chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery into small, even pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and provide a base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring it covers the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the chopped green beans. Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Finely chop the fresh herbs (parsley and thyme) and add them to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove the soup from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Uniform Chopping: Take your time to dice vegetables into consistent sizes. This ensures even cooking and a professional-looking soup.
- Sauté Secret: Don't rush the sautéing process. Letting onions and garlic develop a light golden color builds a deeper flavor foundation.
- Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs if possible. They provide a brighter, more intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Broth Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider using a high-quality vegetable broth or even adding a splash of white wine during cooking.
- Seasoning Technique: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. This helps you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to make the soup your own unique creation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 54kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
