Dolly Parton Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a hearty, creamy vegetable soup. And when you throw in a legend like Dolly Parton into the mix, you know you’re about to experience something special. Known for her music, charisma, and southern charm, Dolly Parton has also earned her reputation as a home cook who knows how to feed the soul. Her Creamy Vegetable Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying-just like Dolly herself.

This creamy vegetable soup is the perfect balance of rich, velvety textures and vibrant, earthy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to serve at a family gathering or just something to cozy up with on a quiet night, Dolly’s recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. So, let’s dive in and break down this delicious dish step-by-step.

Dolly Parton Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

This creamy vegetable soup recipe brings together a medley of colorful vegetables in a creamy, flavorful broth. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand and adjust the richness and creaminess to your liking. Dolly’s version is perfect for feeding a crowd, or for creating leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Here’s a closer look at how to make Dolly Parton’s creamy vegetable soup:

Ingredients Needed

To make this soup, you’ll need some basic pantry staples as well as a selection of fresh vegetables. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vegetables

  • 2 cups of carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup of celery, chopped
  • 1 cup of potatoes, peeled and diced (optional but adds nice texture)
  • 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup of green beans, chopped
  • 1 cup of peas (frozen works just fine)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Liquids & Broth

  • 4 cups of vegetable broth (you can also use chicken broth for a meatier flavor)
  • 2 cups of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing)

• Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs
  • A sprinkle of grated cheese (parmesan works well)
  • Croutons or crackers for a bit of crunch

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Vegetables

   • Start by chopping your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the potatoes, carrots, and celery are uniform in size for even cooking.
   • Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely so they can cook evenly in the broth.

2. Sauté Aromatics

   • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. This brings out their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

3. Cook The Vegetables

   • Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Stir them around, letting them cook for about 5 minutes in the oil and aromatics.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add The Cream & Seasonings

   • Stir in the heavy cream, corn, peas, thyme, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

5. Blend (Optional)

   • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend half of the soup in a regular blender and return it to the pot for a creamier, velvety texture.

6. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You might want to add a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or more thyme to really round out the flavor.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the creamy vegetable soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese. Pair it with some crunchy croutons or a few crackers on the side for extra texture.

Ingredient Insights

• Carrots: These are the backbone of the soup, giving it a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Celery: Adds a slight crunch and a fresh, herbal note to the soup. It’s the perfect flavor complement to the carrots and potatoes.
• Potatoes: They help thicken the soup and add a hearty, starchy base. Russet potatoes are ideal, but you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
• Corn & Peas: These vegetables bring a burst of color and natural sweetness, making each spoonful feel like a celebration of summer.
• Heavy Cream: The cream gives the soup its rich, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, or even whole milk, though the texture will be thinner.
• Broth: Vegetable broth is typically used for a light and fresh base, but chicken broth will add a deeper, more savory flavor.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) and stir it in. This will help thicken it up without compromising flavor.
• Make it Spicy: For those who like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Add Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh thyme, basil, or parsley, they’ll take this soup to the next level with their fragrant, vibrant flavors.
• Save Time: To make this soup quicker, use frozen vegetables. The texture and flavor will still be excellent, and it will cut down on prep time significantly.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Vegetable Soup: Add some shredded cheddar cheese to the soup for an extra creamy, cheesy twist. Stir it in right before serving.
• Meat Lover’s Version: If you’d like to add some protein, try throwing in some cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. Just be sure to adjust the broth and cream levels to compensate.
• Herb-Focused: You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or dill. Adding fresh herbs right at the end of cooking can give the soup a unique, fragrant flavor.

Final Words

Dolly Parton’s creamy vegetable soup is a true testament to her ability to create heartwarming dishes that bring people together. It’s a soup that offers so much room for customization while still delivering the comfort and nostalgia you crave. Whether you’re looking to make a simple, quick meal for the family or impress friends with a homemade creation, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy.