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Cozy Hearty Vegetable Soup

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A warm, comforting vegetable soup packed with wholesome ingredients and fresh herbs, perfect for chilly days and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 14.5 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup fresh green peas (frozen is fine)
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop green beans and parsley. This prep should take about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until it shimmers slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness and start softening them.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaf and fresh thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  6. Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork. If not tender, continue simmering and check every 5 minutes.
  7. Add the green beans, peas, and cannellini beans. Stir and simmer for another 7-10 minutes until the green beans are tender but still bright and the peas are warmed through.
  8. Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  9. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh, herbal lift.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Sauté onions and garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use fresh herbs when possible for best flavor. Add green beans and peas toward the end to keep them tender-crisp. Soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Adjust thickness by mashing some potatoes and beans or adding cornstarch slurry. Frozen vegetables can be used but add them late to prevent overcooking. For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable soup, hearty soup, cozy meal, comfort food, easy soup recipe, vegan soup, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cozy-hearty-vegetable-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/