Easiest Soup Recipe

Let’s talk about one of the ultimate comfort foods: soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening, you’re feeling under the weather, or just need something warm to cozy up with, a bowl of homemade soup can work wonders. But here’s the thing – making a delicious soup doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need hours of prep or a long list of fancy ingredients to create something hearty and satisfying. In fact, I’m going to show you how to make one of the easiest, most versatile soups you can whip up with minimal effort and ingredients.

Today, we’re going to make a simple, flavorful vegetable soup that takes just a handful of ingredients and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. This soup is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal. Don’t worry, even though it’s simple, it’s packed with flavor and will leave you feeling like you’ve just had a gourmet experience.

You can always adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs, making this a versatile go-to for almost any situation.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust as you go! Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive Oil (1-2 tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies. Adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): The base flavor. Sweet when sautéed, it adds a savory foundation to your soup.
Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced): Provides sweetness and texture.
Celery (2-3 stalks, chopped): Adds a slight earthiness and crisp texture.
Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): The flavor enhancer! Garlic brings that unmistakable savory aroma to any dish.
Tomatoes (1 can of diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped): A burst of acidity and umami that brings the soup to life.
Vegetable Broth (4 cups): The heart of your soup. You can use chicken broth or water if preferred.
Herbs: A teaspoon each of thyme, basil, and oregano (or fresh herbs if you have them). This is where you’ll bring in aromatic complexity.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course! Adds seasoning and brings all the flavors together.
Leafy Greens (optional, but spinach or kale works great): For added nutrition and color.

Optional Add-ins

Beans (canned or dried): For protein and heartiness.
Potatoes (peeled and cubed): To add substance.
Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar: For a zesty finishing touch.

Cooking Instructions

Alright, let’s jump right into the cooking. This is where the magic happens, and don’t worry, it’s easy. Here’s how to bring everything together:

Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Open the can of tomatoes (or chop fresh tomatoes if you’re using those).
- If you’re using leafy greens, wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Your Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic And Tomatoes
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
- Add the diced tomatoes, including the juice from the can, to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor of the tomatoes.
Pour In The Broth
- Add your vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer) to the pot, stirring everything well.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together.
Season
- Add your herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. If you’re using beans or potatoes, you can add them at this point. Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the soup is well-seasoned.
Add Leafy Greens (optional)
- If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in at the end and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the greens are wilted.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a little olive oil on top, or sprinkle some grated cheese or fresh herbs.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a closer look at some of the ingredients in this recipe:

Olive Oil: Not only does it help sauté the veggies, but it also adds healthy fats, which can help absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the vegetables.
Onion: A vegetable that is widely used across all cuisines, it contains antioxidants and can help with inflammation. It’s also great for promoting gut health.
Carrots: Full of beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A), carrots are wonderful for eye health, skin, and immune function.
Tomatoes: Known for their high vitamin C content, tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health.
Vegetable Broth: The foundation of most soups. It’s low in calories, and packed with minerals and flavors. You can even make your own broth by simmering vegetable scraps for a few hours.
Leafy Greens: These are superfoods! Spinach, kale, or any greens are excellent sources of iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients.

Expert Tips

Layer your flavors: Don’t be afraid to sauté your vegetables long enough to bring out their natural sweetness. This can make a huge difference in the overall taste.
Don’t skimp on salt: You need salt to really bring out the flavors of the vegetables and herbs. Taste as you go, and don’t be shy to add a pinch or two.
Make it creamy: If you like a creamy texture, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream. Alternatively, use a hand blender to puree part of the soup and make it smoother.
Use fresh herbs if you can: Fresh herbs give the soup an aromatic edge that dried herbs just can’t match. If fresh herbs are available, go for it!
Add a touch of acid at the end: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can really brighten up the soup.

Recipe Variations

Classic Chicken Soup: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a protein-packed option.
Spicy Twist: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili flakes for a little heat.
Chunky Style: Skip the blender and leave the soup as-is for a chunkier, heartier version.
Mediterranean Flavor: Toss in a handful of olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired soup.
Vegan Version: Omit any dairy and stick with plant-based broth for a completely vegan soup.

Final Words

This soup is a perfect foundation for whatever you’re in the mood for. You can build on it in so many ways to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, and what’s available in your kitchen. Plus, it’s an incredibly forgiving recipe – so even if you mess up a little, you’ll still end up with a bowl of comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying. And the best part? You’ll have leftovers for days!

Easiest Soup Recipe