Delicious Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable soup recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade vegetable soup. It’s cozy, nourishing, and packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables. This recipe is easy to make, highly customizable, and a fantastic way to get a variety of nutrients in one meal.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, chopped

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)

1 cup spinach or kale

4 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish

Optional: 1/2 cup pasta or cooked quinoa for extra bulk

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and broccoli. Sauté for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Simmer the Soup: Add vegetable broth and tomatoes, bringing everything to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Add Leafy Greens: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add spinach or kale. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy! Add a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Benefits of Vegetable Soup:

Boosts Immunity: The variety of vegetables provides an array of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamins A and C, which support immune health.

Aids in Weight Management: Low in calories but high in fiber, this soup is filling and satisfying, helping to manage hunger levels without adding excess calories.

Great for Digestion: Fiber-rich ingredients, like carrots, celery, and broccoli, help maintain healthy digestion and support gut health.

Promotes Heart Health: With a low sodium base and rich in potassium (especially if you add greens and tomatoes), this soup is heart-healthy. Potassium helps to balance blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk.

Hydrating and Energizing: Soups like this are an excellent way to stay hydrated, and the natural carbohydrates and nutrients in the vegetables help maintain energy levels.

Nutritional Value

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of some key ingredients:

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A, supporting vision, skin health, and immune function.

Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, and folate, broccoli supports digestion, immunity, and cell health.

Spinach: Loaded with iron, magnesium, and calcium, spinach promotes strong bones and supports muscle and nerve function.

Garlic and Onion: These add flavor and contain compounds that support heart health and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Zucchini: Low in calories and high in vitamin C and potassium, zucchini is great for weight management and hydration.

This vegetable soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for even longer. It’s a simple yet delicious way to load up on the good stuff, making every spoonful a nourishing delight.