Vegetable Soup Recipe

A comforting harmony of seasonal vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth that delivers nourishment in every steaming spoonful.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Serves:
6 servings
An overhead shot of a rustic ceramic bowl filled with vibrant vegetable soup, steam gently rising from the surface. The broth is clear yet richly colored, punctuated with perfectly diced carrots, celery, and onions alongside hearty chunks of potato, tender green beans, and sweet corn kernels. A slice of freshly baked bread rests on a wooden board beside the bowl, with a pat of butter slowly melting on its warm surface. Scattered fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil create appealing highlights on the soup's surface in soft natural light streaming through a nearby window, highlighting the soup's homemade quality and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 carrots, peeled and diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 celery stalks, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 potatoes (about 300g), peeled and cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g sweetcorn kernels (fresh or frozen)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5 liters vegetable stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g canned chopped tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 bay leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large soup pot or Dutch oven</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp chef's knife</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wooden spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Ladle</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery (known as mirepoix - the aromatic flavor base). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking of vegetables releases their natural sugars and develops a deep flavor foundation for your soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown as this can create a bitter flavor. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly, which will add richness to your soup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the diced potatoes, green beans, bell pepper, and sweetcorn to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables in the aromatic oil and tomato paste mixture, allowing them to take on those beautiful flavors before adding liquid.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour in the vegetable stock and canned tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, remembering that the stock may already contain salt, so taste before adding more. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Every vegetable cooks at a different rate, so check the potatoes - when they're done, everything else should be perfectly cooked too.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the vegetables against the side of the pot with your wooden spoon, or blend about a quarter of the soup and return it to the pot.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, savory flavors of the soup. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete meal, or allow to cool before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 5 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 27 g
🍭 Sugar: 9 g
🍗 Protein: 4 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 720 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

How can I make my homemade vegetable soup more flavourful?

For a more flavourful soup, take time to properly sauté the aromatic vegetables until softened, add a splash of white wine before the stock, use homemade vegetable stock if possible, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, and don't forget to add fresh herbs just before serving.

Can I freeze leftover vegetable soup?

Yes, vegetable soup freezes extremely well! Allow it to cool completely, then portion into airtight containers leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the hob.

What's the best way to customise a basic vegetable soup recipe?

Customise your vegetable soup by adding protein like beans or lentils, stirring in pasta or rice, incorporating seasonal vegetables, adjusting the herbs and spices to suit your taste, adding a splash of cream for richness, or topping with croutons, cheese or a swirl of pesto.

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