Nothing beats a steaming bowl of vegetable soup on a cold day. This comforting recipe is packed with vibrant flavors, nourishing vegetables, and a savory broth that makes it both wholesome and satisfying. Vegetable soup is not only quick to prepare—ready in under 45 minutes—but it’s also versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a timeless dish that brings together nutrition and comfort. With fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans simmered in a rich broth, every spoonful is hearty yet light. Unlike cream-based soups, this one is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for most dietary preferences. It’s also:
- Healthy and filling: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
- Customizable: Swap vegetables depending on what’s in season or in your fridge.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores well and freezes beautifully.
- Budget-conscious: Uses affordable pantry staples and fresh produce.
Essential Ingredients for Vegetable Soup
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavor when sautéing the aromatics.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a savory, slightly sweet base flavor.
• Celery: Brings earthy, herbal notes and balances the broth.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with an aromatic kick.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
• Potato: Adds body and heartiness while making the soup filling.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and color.
• Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
• Green Beans: Fresh crunch and mild flavor.
• Peas: A touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.
• Tomatoes: Fresh acidity that balances the broth.
• Chicken Broth: A savory base that enriches the flavor.
• V8 Juice: Unique to this recipe—adds depth, tang, and extra vegetables in liquid form.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Tomato Alternatives: If V8 juice isn’t available, use tomato juice or a mix of diced canned tomatoes and water.
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes with zucchini or cauliflower.
- Protein Boost: Add beans, lentils, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh thyme, parsley, or bay leaves can deepen flavor.
How to Make Vegetable Soup Step-by-Step
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in potatoes, carrots, corn, peas, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Mix well so the flavors start blending.
- Pour in Broth & Juice: Add chicken broth and V8 juice. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Taste & Adjust: Check seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with grated parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Expert Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup
- Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook: Simmer just until vegetables are tender to preserve flavor and texture.
- Build flavor layers: Sauté aromatics before adding broth for a richer taste.
- Make it ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Freeze in portions: Store in airtight containers for up to 5–6 months.
Serving Ideas and Delicious Pairings
Vegetable soup pairs beautifully with simple sides that make it a complete meal.
- Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette.
- Salads: A crisp garden salad balances the warm, hearty soup.
- Cheese: Top with parmesan or cheddar for an extra savory touch.
- Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or a turkey panini makes a perfect combo.
For variations, add cooked noodles, rice, or barley for extra texture, or make it spicy with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Rich in fiber, it supports digestion and helps you feel full longer. With its low calorie count, it’s a great option for weight management, while the blend of vegetables ensures a boost of vitamin A, C, and potassium.
Conclusion
Vegetable soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting tradition that combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors in every bowl. Its versatility makes it a year-round favorite, whether you’re craving a warming dish on a cold winter’s night or looking for a healthy, light option for lunch. With its customizable nature, you can adapt this vegetable soup to fit your dietary needs, pantry staples, and personal taste. Make a double batch to freeze for busy nights, and you’ll always have a nourishing option ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetable Soup
How can I make vegetable soup more flavorful?
Building flavor is all about layers. Start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic before adding broth. Herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves can deepen the taste. A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce at the end also enhances the flavor.
Can I use frozen or canned vegetables for this soup?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work wonderfully and can even cut down on prep time. Canned veggies are also fine, but drain them first to avoid excess liquid. Just be mindful of sodium content if you’re using canned versions.
Is vegetable soup good for weight loss?
Vegetable soup is low in calories, high in fiber, and nutrient-dense, making it an excellent choice for weight management. It keeps you full without being heavy, especially if you keep the broth light and avoid creamy add-ins.
More Relevant Recipes
- Beef Stew Recipe – Hearty Comfort Food: A rich and savory stew made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This dish offers the same warming comfort as vegetable soup, making it perfect for cozy dinners.
- Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – Comfort Food Classic: A hearty casserole layered with seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. Much like vegetable soup, it’s wholesome and filling, ideal for a family-friendly meal.
- Moroccan Pumpkin Chickpea Stew: A vibrant, spiced stew combining pumpkin, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. Its vegetable-forward approach and rich broth make it a flavorful cousin to classic vegetable soup.
Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty vegetable soup is loaded with fresh vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, peas, celery, onions, and tomatoes simmered in a flavorful chicken broth and V8 juice base. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s customizable, healthy, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 vine tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups V-8 juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, and garlic, then sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the potato, carrots, corn, peas, green beans, and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and V8 juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezes well in airtight containers for up to 5–6 months.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 to 2 cups
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1399 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
