Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

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🥣 Recipe Name: Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

📖 Description

This hearty vegetable soup is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and simple pantry ingredients. It’s naturally low in calories, rich in fiber, and perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The soup is versatile—you can customize it with seasonal vegetables or add protein to suit your diet.

⏱️ Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Serving Size: About 1½ cups per serving

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 medium carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 medium potato, diced

  • 1 cup green beans, chopped

  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)

  • 1 cup water (optional, for thinner soup)

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ½ cup corn or peas (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Add carrots, celery, potato, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Add tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf.

  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

  7. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.

  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

📝 Notes

  • You can blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.

  • Frozen vegetables can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.

  • Adjust liquid quantity based on desired thickness.

💡 Tips for Best Vegetable Soup

  • Sauté vegetables well to enhance flavor.

  • Use homemade vegetable broth for richer taste.

  • Add leafy greens (spinach, kale) in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.

  • A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 120 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 20 g

  • Protein: 4 g

  • Fat: 3 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Sodium: 450 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Supports digestion: High fiber content promotes gut health.

  • Boosts immunity: Rich in vitamins A and C from vegetables.

  • Heart-healthy: Low in fat and cholesterol-free.

  • Weight-friendly: Low-calorie yet filling.

  • Hydrating: High water content helps maintain hydration.

❓ Questions & Answers

Q1: Can I make this soup vegan?
✔️ Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if vegetable broth is used.

Q2: Can I freeze vegetable soup?
✔️ Yes, allow it to cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q3: How can I add protein to this soup?
✔️ Add beans, lentils, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.

Q4: Can I use spices instead of herbs?
✔️ Absolutely! Paprika, cumin, or chili flakes work well.

Q5: How long does it last in the fridge?
✔️ Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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