Easy Soup With Few Ingredients Recipe

Soup is one of those timeless dishes that can be both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick meal for a busy evening, or just crave something warm and hearty, a simple soup can be your best friend. The beauty of soup lies in its flexibility-add whatever ingredients you have on hand, and it can still turn out delicious.

In today’s recipe, we’re going to take things back to basics with a super simple, no-fuss soup that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. No need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients-just a few basic pantry staples that you probably already have.

So, let’s dive into an easy soup recipe that anyone can make, regardless of cooking experience. Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Easy Soup With Few Ingredients Recipe

This soup is perfect for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy something homemade. It’s a flexible base recipe that you can customize to your taste, but it’s rich, savory, and satisfying on its own.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, the goal is to keep it simple, using only a few ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Olive Oil (or any oil you prefer) – 1 tablespoon

  • This helps create the base flavor and gives the soup a nice, rich texture.

• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped

  • A key flavor base for many soups, onions add a natural sweetness once sautéed and serve as the foundation of the dish.

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

  • Garlic provides a burst of savory depth and aroma that brings the soup to life.

• Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and sliced

  • These add color, subtle sweetness, and texture to the soup.

• Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced

  • Potatoes add creaminess and heartiness to the soup, making it feel more filling.

• Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth) – 4 cups

  • This is the liquid base for the soup, giving it flavor and richness. You can swap this with water if you prefer a lighter version, but broth adds more depth.

• Salt – To taste

  • Always an essential seasoning to enhance the flavors. You can use sea salt or kosher salt.

• Black Pepper – To taste

  • A pinch of pepper adds a nice kick to the soup without overpowering it.

• Fresh Herbs (optional) – A sprig of thyme or a couple of bay leaves

  • Fresh herbs infuse the broth with fragrance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Lemon Juice (optional) – A squeeze, at the end

  • A splash of lemon adds a bright, refreshing note to balance the flavors of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get down to business and bring this simple soup to life!

1. Sauté The Onion & Garlic

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they’re soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

2. Add Carrots & Potatoes

   • Toss in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening a bit and absorb the flavors from the onions and garlic.

3. Pour In The Broth

   • Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer) to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Season The Soup

   • Once the vegetables are tender, add salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can get creative-if you like a little heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of paprika.
   • If you’re using fresh herbs, now’s the time to toss them in. Let them simmer along with the soup, infusing the broth with their fragrance.

5. Blend (Optional)

   • For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. This will create a creamy, velvety texture.
   • If you prefer a chunkier soup, just skip this step and serve it as is.

6. Finish with Lemon Juice (Optional):

   • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end will brighten the soup, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh zing.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup not only contributes flavor but also brings health benefits to the table. Here’s a quick rundown on why each of these ingredients is worth keeping in your kitchen:

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats. It adds flavor and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other ingredients.
• Onions: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, onions are known to help improve heart health, lower blood sugar levels, and even boost digestive health.
• Garlic: More than just a flavor powerhouse, garlic has been shown to have immune-boosting properties, lower cholesterol, and help with blood pressure regulation.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A in the body), carrots are great for vision health, skin, and boosting the immune system.
• Potatoes: Packed with vitamins, potassium, and fiber, potatoes are a good source of energy and support digestive health.
• Broth: Full of flavor, especially if homemade, broth contains minerals and amino acids that help support your body’s immune system and digestion.

Expert Tips

To make sure your soup is a true success, here are some tips from seasoned cooks:

• Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Sautéing your onion and garlic before adding liquid is key to developing deeper flavors. It’s what helps build that savory base for your soup.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium broth or make your own at home. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there!
• Herb Bundle: If you’re adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, try tying them up in a piece of cheesecloth or using a spice bag. This makes it easier to remove them later.
• Add a Dash of Spice: If you want to elevate the flavor of your soup, try adding a small pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a warm, earthy kick.
• Freeze for Later: Soups are perfect for meal prep. This recipe freezes well and will taste just as good after being reheated. Just let it cool completely before storing.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about soup is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can tweak this recipe to make it your own:

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, beans, or lentils to make it more filling and add some lean protein.
• Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamy soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking.
• Add Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can easily be added for a nutrient boost. Just throw them in toward the end of the cooking process, letting them wilt into the soup.
• Make it Vegan: Stick with vegetable broth and omit the cream. You can also add tofu for a protein boost.
• Change the Veggies: If you have other veggies in your fridge that need to be used, go ahead and add them-zucchini, celery, or peas would all be great additions.

Final Words

There’s no better feeling than making a meal that’s both simple and comforting. This easy soup recipe does exactly that. It’s the perfect balance of basic ingredients, with room for plenty of customization. Whether you’re trying to use up veggies, need something quick after a busy day, or just want a warm bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered.