Imagine a soul-warming bowl of vegetable soup that's not just a meal, but a culinary experience straight from Martha Stewart's kitchen. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a vibrant, nutritious masterpiece that promises to elevate your home cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings, health-conscious meals, or when you're craving something wholesome and delicious, this vegetable soup will become your new go-to recipe that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
- Add 1 chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Incorporate 3 minced garlic cloves into the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices) to the pot, followed by 1 chopped zucchini and 1 cup of trimmed and chopped green beans. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor. Stir well to incorporate.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the most vibrant flavor and nutrition.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting onions and vegetables caramelize slowly builds depth of flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a parmesan rind while simmering the soup.
- Chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or add protein like beans or lean chicken.
- If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a bit more vegetable broth.
- Fresh herbs added at the end can dramatically enhance the soup's aroma and taste.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
