Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of homemade vegetable soup. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re simply craving something light and nutritious, this easy vegetable soup is a go-to. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with vitamins and minerals. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely customizable, meaning you can adapt it to whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic meal for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone just looking to eat a bit healthier.

What’s even better is that this soup can be made in no time and requires minimal effort. It’s simple enough for beginners but still rich in taste for the more seasoned home cook. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables in one meal without sacrificing flavor. In this post, we’re diving deep into all the steps, ingredients, tips, and variations for making this satisfying dish.

Here’s the easy and delicious vegetable soup recipe you’ve been looking for. It’s full of fresh produce, with a savory broth that ties everything together. You can serve it as a starter, or enjoy it as a light meal with some crusty bread.

Ingredients Needed

Olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich flavor base.
Onion – a classic starter for any soup; gives that warm, savory flavor.
Garlic – adds depth and aroma to the broth.
Carrots – sweet, vibrant, and a great source of vitamins.
Celery – fresh, crisp, and a great texture contrast to the other veggies.
Potatoes – for heartiness; they make the soup more filling.
Green beans – adds crunch and color.
Tomatoes – both fresh and canned can work, giving the soup a little tanginess.
Vegetable broth – a key element for that savory base.
Spinach – or any leafy green, to add freshness and nutrients.
Bay leaves – subtle flavor enhancement.
Thyme and rosemary – these herbs bring a fragrant, earthy undertone.
Salt and pepper – to taste, balancing all the flavors together.

Cooking Instructions

Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and trim the green beans.
Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Veggies: Toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir everything around to coat the vegetables in the oil and onions, letting them cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add Broth & Herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Incorporate the Green Beans and Spinach: Add the green beans and spinach (or other greens of choice) into the pot. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes or until the green beans are tender and the soup is fragrant.
Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this vegetable soup plays a vital role in creating a flavorful, balanced dish. Let’s break it down:

Olive oil: Not just for cooking, but it also infuses the soup with healthy fats and adds a silky richness to the broth.
Onion and garlic: These two ingredients form the base of the soup’s flavor. Onions caramelize slightly when sautéed, giving the soup a savory foundation, while garlic infuses the broth with a depth of flavor.
Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health, carrots provide a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Celery: Its crisp texture adds freshness, and when cooked, it softens and releases a gentle flavor that enhances the broth.
Potatoes: These are the heart of this soup, offering creaminess without the need for dairy. They also help thicken the broth as they cook down.
Spinach: An easy way to add a leafy green that wilts beautifully into the soup, giving it an extra dose of iron and vitamins.
Herbs: The thyme and rosemary infuse the soup with fragrant, earthy notes, while the bay leaves give a subtle depth of flavor that makes the broth feel more complex.

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Veggies: The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavor. Organic produce, if possible, tends to have more flavor and nutrients.
Make Your Own Broth: If you have time, homemade vegetable broth can elevate your soup to the next level. It’s easy to make by simmering veggie scraps like onion skins, carrot peels, and celery ends with water.
Cut the Veggies Evenly: For a more uniform texture in the soup, make sure to chop all the vegetables to similar sizes. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Enhance with a Splash of Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a small dash of apple cider vinegar just before serving brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
Allow Time for Flavor Development: If you have the time, let the soup rest for 30 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and become even more delicious.
Make It a Meal: To make this soup even more filling, add some cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or even small pasta shapes. You could also toss in some beans for extra protein.

Recipe Variations

This vegetable soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to try:

Add Some Protein: Stir in some cooked beans (like white beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans) for a protein boost. Tofu or tempeh also work well if you want a vegan-friendly option.
Creamy Version: If you’re craving a creamy texture, puree a portion of the soup after it’s cooked, or stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream to make it richer.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.
Root Veggie Twist: Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash for a slightly different flavor profile.
Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like basil, oregano, or marjoram to give your soup a unique twist. Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking brighten everything up.

Final Words

This vegetable soup recipe is incredibly adaptable. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting and healthy meal that is as simple or complex as you want it to be. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or as part of a more elaborate dinner spread, the beauty of this soup lies in its flexibility. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or as part of meal prepping for the week ahead.

And let’s not forget: it’s great for leftovers. The flavors tend to deepen and become even more delicious the next day, making it ideal for enjoying over a couple of meals.

Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe