Hearty Vegetable Soup

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This Hearty Vegetable Soup is the kind of cozy, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, simple pantry herbs, and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day — yet it comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just need a wholesome bowl of comfort.

🛒 Ingredients

Table of Contents

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1 cup green peas

  • 1 fresh tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)

  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Build the flavor base:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

2. Add the hearty vegetables:
Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step enhances the flavor and slightly caramelizes the vegetables.

3. Pour and season:
Add the diced tomato and vegetable broth. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer to perfection:
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

See also  Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

5. Finish with color:
Add the corn and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and tender.

6. Taste and serve:
Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.

Optional Boosters

Add chopped zucchini or green beans for extra veggies. Stir in a can of drained beans for added protein. For brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice just before serving.

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep. Simple, satisfying, and wonderfully comforting — every spoonful

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