Hearty Vegetable Soup
Hearty Vegetable Soup is a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, and it’s simple to make. This soup is not only comforting but also a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Hearty Vegetable Soup is a smart choice for many reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and takes only about an hour from start to finish. Second, the soup is very healthy, loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables. Finally, it is a budget-friendly meal that can feed a whole family or provide leftovers for another day!
How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup
Making Hearty Vegetable Soup is simple and requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 large leek, sliced finely
- 2 sticks of celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 250g of potato, peeled and chopped into small cubes (use a waxy variety)
- 1 litre of chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 bay leaves
- A couple of sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried)
- Optional: a pinch of chilli flakes
- Salt and pepper to season
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Cooking oil spray (I used avocado spray oil)
Directions:
- Spray a large saucepan over medium heat with some cooking oil spray and add the onions, garlic, and celery.
- Fry for a couple of minutes to soften. Add in a little stock at a time to prevent burning or sticking.
- Add in the leeks and carrots, spray again with the cooking oil spray, and fry for a couple more minutes until the leeks have cooked down a little. Add more stock as needed to prevent burning.
- Stir in the thyme and bay leaves (and chilli flakes if using).
- Add the potatoes and stock, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes.
- Roughly blend some of the soup with a hand blender or a traditional blender. You can keep some chunks of vegetables or blend it all for a smooth consistency.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy!
How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Soup
Hearty Vegetable Soup is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese can add even more flavor!
How to Store Hearty Vegetable Soup
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup
- Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you have at home.
- For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- If you like a little more spice, you can add more chilli flakes or even some hot sauce.
Variation
You can add beans or lentils for extra protein. Another great addition is pasta or rice, which can make the soup even heartier.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes! Just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and avoid any dairy toppings.
Q: How do I thicken the soup?
A: You can blend more of the soup to make it thicker or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little water) while cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes! Frozen vegetables work well in this soup and can save you time on prep.
Hearty Vegetable Soup is a fulfilling dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy making it and savoring its delicious flavors!
