Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion, and chop the zucchini and celery into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Set the vegetables aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Vegetables:

• Add the diced carrots, celery, and potato to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the vegetables slightly soften and pick up some flavor.

4. Simmer the Soup:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and water, followed by the diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
• Once simmering, add the green beans, corn, zucchini, and herbs (basil, oregano, and thyme). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook Until Tender:

• Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding pasta or rice, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can lightly mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher for a creamier texture.

6. Add Greens (Optional):

• For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. These greens will wilt down nicely and add an earthy flavor to the soup.

7. Taste and Adjust:

• Once the soup is fully cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup:

• Use Seasonal Vegetables: To make the most of fresh produce, feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or parsnips.
• Add Beans or Lentils: For extra protein, try adding a can of cannellini beans or lentils to the soup. They’ll make it even more filling and hearty.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have all the dried herbs, you can experiment with other seasonings such as rosemary, sage, or bay leaves for a unique flavor profile.
• Make It Ahead: This soup gets better as it sits! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat when needed for a quick meal.

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Any Occasion:

• Comfort Food: There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot vegetable soup. It’s perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can easily be made in advance and stored for later, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeks when you need something quick and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: Hearty and mild in flavor, this vegetable soup is loved by both kids and adults alike. You can adjust the seasoning to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
• Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap the broth, or even add some protein to make it a meal in itself.

Conclusion:

Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish to enjoy any time of year. Its simple ingredients, rich flavor, and nourishing qualities make it a timeless classic that everyone will love. Plus, with its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a comforting, satisfying staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!