Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful broth, this soup is not only comforting but also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. It’s easy to customize based on seasonal produce or personal preferences!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped; any color)
• 1 zucchini (diced)
• 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
• Optional: Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Timing

Making Vegetable Soup takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add Remaining Vegetables

1. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate Bell Pepper and Zucchini: Add the chopped bell pepper and diced zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Pour in Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, green beans, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Greens and Serve

1. Stir in Spinach: Add the fresh spinach (or kale) to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vegetable Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	4g
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	6g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, or squash based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Protein Additions: For added protein, consider incorporating beans (like chickpeas or kidney beans) or lentils.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Vegetable Soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a light meal or as a comforting side dish!